How Elizabeth bear a son?

Gospel

Luke 1:5-25

'Your wife Elizabeth will bear a son'

In the days of King Herod of Judaea there lived a priest called Zechariah who belonged to the Abijah section of the priesthood, and he had a wife, Elizabeth by name, who was a descendant of Aaron. Both were worthy in the sight of God, and scrupulously observed all the commandments and observances of the Lord. But they were childless: Elizabeth was barren and they were both getting on in years.

    Now it was the turn of Zechariah’s section to serve, and he was exercising his priestly office before God when it fell to him by lot, as the ritual custom was, to enter the Lord’s sanctuary and burn incense there. And at the hour of incense the whole congregation was outside, praying.

    Then there appeared to him the angel of the Lord, standing on the right of the altar of incense. The sight disturbed Zechariah and he was overcome with fear. But the angel said to him, ‘Zechariah, do not be afraid, your prayer has been heard. Your wife Elizabeth is to bear you a son and you must name him John. He will be your joy and delight and many will rejoice at his birth, for he will be great in the sight of the Lord; he must drink no wine, no strong drink. Even from his mother’s womb he will be filled with the Holy Spirit, and he will bring back many of the sons of Israel to the Lord their God. With the spirit and power of Elijah, he will go before him to turn the hearts of fathers towards their children and the disobedient back to the wisdom that the virtuous have, preparing for the Lord a people fit for him.’

    Zechariah said to the angel, ‘How can I be sure of this? I am an old man and my wife is getting on in years.’ The angel replied, ‘I am Gabriel who stand in God’s presence, and I have been sent to speak to you and bring you this good news. Listen! Since you have not believed my words, which will come true at their appointed time, you will be silenced and have no power of speech until this has happened.’ Meanwhile the people were waiting for Zechariah and were surprised that he stayed in the sanctuary so long. When he came out he could not speak to them, and they realised that he had received a vision in the sanctuary. But he could only make signs to them, and remained dumb.

    When his time of service came to an end he returned home. Some time later his wife Elizabeth conceived, and for five months she kept to herself. ‘The Lord has done this for me’ she said ‘now that it has pleased him to take away the humiliation I suffered among men.’

Short Reflection

This passage reveals the profound mystery of God's timing and the nature of faith. Zechariah and Elizabeth were righteous people who had long carried the pain of unanswered prayer. When the angel Gabriel finally announces that their deepest longing will be fulfilled, Zechariah's faith falters. His question, "How can I be sure of this?" comes not from a seeking heart but from a resigned one that can no longer believe the impossible. His temporary muteness becomes a powerful symbol—when we cannot speak words of faith, we are called to a season of silent wonder, to watch God's promise unfold. In contrast, Elizabeth's quiet acceptance shows a deep, resilient faith that sees her pregnancy not just as a personal blessing, but as a sign of God's favor removing her "humiliation."

Question for Reflection

Where in my life have I stopped praying for a deep desire because it seems impossible, and how can I, like Elizabeth, make space for God to act in His perfect timing?

Short Prayer

Lord God, you who hear the prayers we have long since stopped praying, forgive our weary faith. In the moments we struggle to believe your promises, grant us the grace to enter a holy silence, that we might witness your miraculous work. Give us hearts like Elizabeth, who recognized your hand at work and rejoiced in your saving power. Amen.