Zechariah was born into a family of priests whose family tree was rooted in soil 1200 years old, and whose tap-root was Aaron, brother of Moses. Tradition had nurtured, pruned, and shaped his lot in life since birth; and his work as priest was scheduled by lot.
When his lot came, Zechariah stood alone at the altar of incense in the holy place to pray for the people. But in his heart he carried another prayer–a longing he had voiced over and again. Somehow the pain of waiting had become dulled by doubt, and even though he said the words, his heart hid from the God who did not seem to listen . . . and so Zechariah was not ready for God’s answer–or the birth announcement Gabriel carried from God.
God leads his servant into silence—
a desert pregnant with the struggle of re-visioning—
learning to see as God sees;
embracing the birthing.
For Zechariah enters the silence as a priest who stands alone to speak to God for the people; but he emerges as a prophet who sits among the people of his community to speak for God.
Reflection
What is your lot in life? As you sit alone and listen, what are the longings of your heart? If God answered the prayer of your heart, what would you need to encounter and surrender within yourself?
I AM SILENT . . . AND EXPECTANT
How silently, how silently,
the wondrous Gift is given.
I would be silent now, Lord, and expectant…
that I may receive the gift I need,
so I may become the gift others need.