It Truly is A Wonderful Life

Gospel Reflection for December 19, 2022

In today’s Gospel, we’re told that Zechariah and Elizabeth “were righteous in the eyes of God, observing all the commandments and ordinances of the Lord blamelessly. But they had no child, because Elizabeth was barren and both were advanced in years.” (Luke 1:5-7 NABRE)

However, once when Zechariah was serving as priest, “the angel of the Lord appeared to him, standing at the right of the altar of incense. Zechariah was troubled by what he saw, and fear came upon him. But the angel said to him, ‘Do not be afraid, Zechariah, because your prayer has been heard. Your wife Elizabeth will bear you a son, and you shall name him John. And you will have joy and gladness…’” (Luke 1:11-14)

Is there something that you’ve been praying to God about that has yet to be answered? Maybe it’s something you’ve been praying about for a long time, but it just doesn’t seem like you’re going to receive what you’re asking for.

Maybe you feel like you’re doing everything you can to live for God and keep His commandments, but He’s just not hearing you. And it might just feel like you’re on your own.

Well, Elizabeth and Zechariah were in the exact same position. For most of their life!

It was considered shameful for a woman during that time to fail in fulfilling their role as a child bearer, and Elizabeth and Zechariah had to bear that shame until they were advanced in years. Yet, they never stopped walking in God’s ways. They never stopped praying. They trusted in God and persevered in faith.

When the angel of the Lord appeared to Zechariah, however, and proclaimed the good news that their prayers had been heard and were going to be answered, Zechariah doubted. His response was not one of faith. He sounded more like someone who was discouraged. He didn’t want to get his hopes up, only to be let down.

In the classic Christmas movie, It’s A Wonderful Life, a “senior angel” explains to another angel, named Clarence, that a man on earth needs their help.

Clarence asks, “Is he sick?”

The senior angel responds, “No, worse. He’s discouraged.”

I’ve always loved the impact of that statement. How true it is!

Zechariah demonstrated this attitude of discouragement and doubt when responding to Gabriel. He “said to the angel, ‘How shall I know this? For I am an old man, and my wife is advanced in years.’” (Luke 1:18)

When we are discouraged, we lose the ability to see God working in our lives. We lose the ability to hope or to see anything good in the midst of our struggles and suffering. We begin to see ourselves as victims, and we succumb to depression and hopelessness.

But one cannot have faith and lack hope. We must always faithfully hope in and trust in our God. Even when our prayers do not seem to be heard.

If you’ve been feeling unheard by God, let these words resonate with you.

“My child, when you come to serve the Lord,
    prepare yourself for trials.
Be sincere of heart and steadfast,
    and do not be impetuous in time of adversity.
Cling to him, do not leave him,
    that you may prosper in your last days.

Accept whatever happens to you;
    in periods of humiliation be patient.
For in fire gold is tested,
    and the chosen, in the crucible of humiliation.
Trust in God, and he will help you;
    make your ways straight and hope in him.” (Wisdom of Ben Sira 2:1-6)

I know it’s not always easy, but do not be discouraged. Like Elizabeth and Zechariah, keep walking in God’s ways and persevere in faith. Trust and hope in the Lord with all your heart, and He will help you. He will answer your prayers. You are chosen and loved and heard. It truly is a wonderful life!