We return to one of the important Advent themes today: the
patient waiting of God’s faithful ones. In the first reading we heard of Samson’s
mother and father waiting for a child. They remind us of the Jews enslaved in Egypt,
or the Jews captive in Babylonian exile, who waited and waited for deliverance—the
faithful remnant who trusted that God would be faithful to his promises of
salvation.
Zechariah and Elizabeth, too, had waited and waited for a
child, even to the point where Elizabeth had been disgraced for her barrenness.
At that time, remember, that children were considered as great blessings from
God, and to experience barrenness was considered a curse.
Yet, the times of barrenness, the times of waiting, are not
so much curses, as opportunities for God to test and strengthen our faith. In
times of waiting, God purifies us of superficial desires, and increases our desire
for the one thing that really matters: salvation, union with God.
I think the purification that waiting brings is seen in the
punishment Zechariah undergoes for his doubt. When the angel announced that he
and his wife would conceive, Zechariah initially doubted. Because of his doubt,
the angel prescribed a punishment or a penance. Zechariah doubted the Word of
God, so he himself was struck mute. But his muteness was medicinal. During
those nine months, as he saw his wife show signs of pregnancy, he would ponder
again the word of God, to renew his trust in it.
Muteness, silence is one of the wonderful aids for growing
in holiness. This 4th Week of Advent which is characterized by peace
should be a quiet week, a week of reflection, pondering the promises of God,
treasuring God’s word, like Mary, in our hearts.
This is a good week to make an extra visit to the adoration
chapel, to schedule extra quiet time with the Scriptures. To put away the
superficial distractions in order to focus on the one thing that matters most.
To nurture a peace and calm and quiet akin to the silent night on which Christ
is born.
Such silence, quiet, and peace will help us treasure Him
above all else, for the glory of God and salvation of souls.
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