Overview:

Friday of the Third Week of Advent

A Reflection for Friday of the Third Week of Advent

“I am Gabriel, who stand before God.
I was sent to speak to you and to announce to you this good news.
But now you will be speechless and unable to talk
until the day these things take place,
because you did not believe my words,
which will be fulfilled at their proper time.” (Luke 1:19-20)

Find today’s readings here.

Sometimes, our blessings are unexpected and hard to believe.

It feels common in our culture to mistrust good things and affirm that misfortune is inevitable. When things go right, we’re often quick to say, “No way. I can’t believe it. You’ve gotta be kidding.”

Conversely, in tougher times, we seem to activate some sort of defense mechanism against being vulnerable: “Of course this happened. I should have known. This is why I don’t get my hopes up.”

In today’s Gospel, Zechariah is skeptical of the blessing he receives: the news that his wife Elizabeth will give birth to a son. I don’t think he meant to challenge Gabriel in a cynical way; he simply needed more information to believe what he had heard. Given his circumstances, I understand his doubts. Elizabeth was of old age and Zechariah was, after all, “chosen by lot” to enter the sanctuary where he received this message. It was random. I likely would have questioned Angel Gabriel myself.

But I believe the lesson here is to give in to hope. 

Zechariah being made speechless as a result of “not believing [Gabriel’s] words” is not a punishment, but an invitation. To listen instead of talk. To tame anxieties. To have hope. And to believe. This Christmas season, I’m trying to do the same.  

The holidays don’t always look perfect. There are often circumstances we wish we could change or people we wish we could have near. But even in the imperfection, there are still life-giving moments that find us. They are easier to accept when we practice what it means to truly listen and let ourselves feel hopeful. We don’t always need to be skeptical, ask more questions, or fact-check our joy. 

I will do my best to lean into hopeful moments, even if they feel unexpected or out of place. Especially then. And I encourage you to do the same.

Jackson Goodman is the Strategic Programs Manager at America Media, creating mission-driven events in partnership with Jesuit schools and parishes. He is a graduate of Fordham Prep and Boston College.