Do not be afraid, Zacharias, for your prayer is heard

There was in the days of Herod, the king of Judea, a certain priest named Zacharias, of the division of Abijah. His wife was of the daughters of Aaron, and her name was Elizabeth. And they were both righteous before God, walking in all the commandments and ordinances of the Lord blameless. But they had no child, because Elizabeth was barren, and they were both well advanced in years.

So it was, that while he was serving as priest before God in the order of his division, according to the custom of the priesthood, his lot fell to burn incense when he went into the temple of the Lord. And the whole multitude of the people was praying outside at the hour of incense. Then an angel of the Lord appeared to him, standing on the right side of the altar of incense. And when Zecharias saw him, he was troubled, and fear fell upon him. But the angel said to him, "Do not be afraid, Zacharias, for your prayer is heard; and your wife Elizabeth will bear you a son, and you shall call his name John. And you will have joy and gladness and many will rejoice at his birth. For he will be great in the sight of the Lord, and shall drink neither wine nor strong drink. He will also be filled with the Holy Spirit, even from his mother's womb. And he will turn many of the children of Israel to the Lord their God. He will also go before Him in the spirit and power of Elijah, 'to turn the hearts of the fathers to the children,' and the disobedient to the wisdom of the just, to make ready a people prepared for the Lord." And Zacharias said to the angel, "How shall I know this? For I am an old man, and my wife is well advanced in years." And the angel answered and said to him, "I am Gabriel, who stands in the presence of God, and was sent to speak to you and bring you these glad tidings. But behold, you will be mute and not able to speak until the day these things take place, because you did not believe my words which will be fulfilled in their own time."

And the people waited for Zacharias, and marveled that he lingered so long in the temple. But when he came out, he could not speak to them; and they perceived that he had seen a vision in the temple, for he beckoned to them and remained speechless.

So it was, as soon as the days of his service were completed, that he departed to his own house. Now after those days his wife Elizabeth conceived; and she hid herself five months, saying, "Thus the Lord has dealt with me, in the days when He looked on me, to take away my reproach among people."

- Luke 1:5-25

In yesterday's reading, the lectionary took us to John chapter 5. Jesus was speaking to the temple leadership, who at that point in the Gospel were seeking to persecute Him. Jesus gave four different witnesses who testify to Him and to His identity and authority: God the Father, John the Baptist, the works that Jesus Himself performs in His ministry which are of the Father, and the Scriptures of the Old Testament through which Moses gave his testimony. The central question of authority is significant to Jesus' conflict with temple leadership -- Jesus says that His will is not His own, but rather He does the Father's will. He says, "I do not receive honor from men. But I know you, that you do not have the love of God in you. I have come in My Father's name, and you do not receive Me; if another comes in his own name, him you will receive. How can you believe, who receive honor from one another, and do not seek the honor that comes from only God?"

In today's reading, the lectionary takes us to the story of the parents of John the Baptist, Zacharias and Elizabeth. There was in the days of Herod, the king of Judea, a certain priest named Zacharias, of the division of Abijah. His wife was of the daughters of Aaron, and her name was Elizabeth. And they were both righteous before God, walking in all the commandments and ordinances of the Lord blameless. But they had no child, because Elizabeth was barren, and they were both well advanced in years. As this is a reading from Luke's Gospel, there is once again the distinctive historical reference that corresponds to all the events he reports. My study bible notes that, "Zacharias and Elizabeth are a righteous couple of a priestly lineage, living always to fulfill God's will. But Elizabeth, like other well-known women of the Bible -- Sarah (Gen. 16:1), Rebekah (Gen. 25:21), Hannah (1 Sam 1:2) and others -- is barren, which was a public reproach (v. 25)." Elizabeth, we are told, is not only barren, but they are both well advanced in years - making it all the more unlikely they should conceive a child.

So it was, that while he was serving as priest before God in the order of his division, according to the custom of the priesthood, his lot fell to burn incense when he went into the temple of the Lord. My study bible teaches that "each priest was assigned to a division (v. 8; see 1 Chr. 23:3-6; 28:13). There were 24 divisions in all, each serving a week at a time by rotation. The responsibilities of the priests in the division were decided by lot (v. 9)." As they are from a priestly lineage, it is a part of his heritage to fulfill this duty; it is a reinforcement of the devout character of this couple.

And the whole multitude of the people was praying outside at the hour of incense. Then an angel of the Lord appeared to him, standing on the right side of the altar of incense. And when Zecharias saw him, he was troubled, and fear fell upon him. But the angel said to him, "Do not be afraid, Zacharias, for your prayer is heard; and your wife Elizabeth will bear you a son, and you shall call his name John." I quite like this fact we're given here in the story, that the "whole multitude of the people were praying outside" at this hour of incense, when Zacharias' duty is to burn the incense. It gives us a hushed scene of devout prayer, in which is set this great answer to prayer. A note reads, "Zacharias has prayed often for a son and now his prayer is answered. The angel (Gabriel, v. 19) promises a son who will be named John, meaning 'the grace of God.'" Incense is symbolic of prayer that rises to God and is pleasing: "May my prayer rise before you like incense" Psalm 141:2.

"And you will have joy and gladness and many will rejoice at his birth. For he will be great in the sight of the Lord, and shall drink neither wine nor strong drink. He will also be filled with the Holy Spirit, even from his mother's womb. And he will turn many of the children of Israel to the Lord their God. He will also go before Him in the spirit and power of Elijah, 'to turn the hearts of the fathers to the children,' and the disobedient to the wisdom of the just, to make ready a people prepared for the Lord." My study bible comments, "Note the description of the character and role of John the Baptist as an ascetic prophet who is to prepare the Jewish people for the coming of the Messiah. Elijah (v. 17), one of the greatest prophets of Israel, was expected to reappear from heaven in order to anoint the Messiah." We know that Jesus will teach that John is the return of the spirit of Elijah, who announces and heralds the Messiah. This prophecy (including the quotation) is from Malachi 4:5,6. John, of course, will preach repentance and divine justice in preparation for the Messiah. This devout couple will produce a son who is wholly dedicated to the Lord, and will live his life as the greatest among the prophets.

And Zacharias said to the angel, "How shall I know this? For I am an old man, and my wife is well advanced in years." A note reads, "Zacharias' question indicates a lack of complete faith in God's promise. Compare this with Abram's response when he was promised a son: 'he believed in the LORD' (Gen. 15:3-6)." What is the nature of faith? When we are confronted with a powerful revelation in Spirit, where do we find our truth?

And the angel answered and said to him, "I am Gabriel, who stands in the presence of God, and was sent to speak to you and bring you these glad tidings. But behold, you will be mute and not able to speak until the day these things take place, because you did not believe my words which will be fulfilled in their own time." A note in my study bible says that "losing his speech serves both as discipline for Zacharias' unbelief and as a sign of the truth of Gabriel's announcement." What is it to stand in the presence of the holy, even an angel such as Gabriel? The hallowed setting of the temple, and Zecharias' duties at the hour of incense, the people at prayer outside, all give us a setting for the holy -- Zecharias is standing in a holy place and has a visitation from this great angel of Annunciation. It is a place where faith connects our reality to the holiness of God. How do we receive it as we stand in that place?

And the people waited for Zacharias, and marveled that he lingered so long in the temple. But when he came out, he could not speak to them; and they perceived that he had seen a vision in the temple, for he beckoned to them and remained speechless. In the midst of the gathering of those at prayer, it's clear that something tremendous has happened. We witness, through Luke's Gospel, the power of the holy, and the effect of our response to it.

So it was, as soon as the days of his service were completed, that he departed to his own house. Now after those days his wife Elizabeth conceived; and she hid herself five months, saying, "Thus the Lord has dealt with me, in the days when He looked on me, to take away my reproach among people." Elizabeth is as devoted to God as is her husband. As does Mary, the mother of Jesus, she accepts wholeheartedly the gift of God. As Zecharias stepped into the community of the people, who then understood he had had a vision in the temple, so Elizabeth steps into community too, with grace. "Thus the Lord has dealt with me, in the days when He looked on me, to take away my reproach among people."

In some sense, our Christmas story begins here, with the story of Elizabeth and Zacharias. The conception of John the Baptist begins the dawn of the light that is to come. As Christmas approaches, we can think about the kind of preparation involved in this great event, the great light of Christ, who will call Himself the light of the world. This is a bridge between the old covenant and the new. John the Baptist, born of devout parents, whose birth is announced by Gabriel to his father as he takes his turn to burn the incense in the temple, is the last in a line of prophets, and the greatest among them. It is he who will announce the Messiah, and prepare the people for this shattering, world-changing event. Let us remember what it is to stand in the presence of the holy, to be made a promise, and how to receive a gift. Christ will be our gift of grace, for the whole world. How do we receive Him, the light that is to come? What careful preparation has gone into the planning of that gift of grace so that you may receive it? How do you accept it and prepare for the light of the Incarnation? Once again, we return to humble - even the most unlikely - circumstances out of which great holy things are born. We prepare with prayer and devotion. Yet - are we ready?

The poor you have with you always, but Me you do not have always

And the Passover of the Jews was near, and many went from the country up to Jerusalem before the Passover, to purify themselves. Then they sought Jesus, and spoke among themselves as they stood in the temple, "What do you think -- that He will not come to the feast?" Now both the chief priests and the Pharisees had given a command, that if anyone knew where He was, he should report it, that they might seize Him.

Then, six days before the Passover, Jesus came to Bethany, where Lazarus was who had been dead, whom He had raised from the dead. There they made Him a supper; and Martha served, but Lazarus was one of those who sat at the table with Him. Then Mary took a pound of very costly oil of spikenard, anointed the feet of Jesus, and wiped His feet with her hair. And the house was filled with the fragrance of the oil. But one of His disciples, Judas Iscariot, Simon's son, who would betray Him, said, "Why was this fragrant oil not sold for three hundred denarii and given to the poor?" This he said, not that he cared for the poor, but because he was a thief, and had the money box; and he used to take what was put in it. But Jesus said, "Let her alone; she has kept this for the day of My burial. For the poor you have with you always, but Me you do not have always."

- John 11:55-12:8

In last week's readings, we read of the raising of Lazarus from the dead. This was the seventh (and final) sign or miracle reported in John's Gospel. After this event, the chief priests and the Pharisees gathered in council. They expressed their fears about Jesus' popularity: "What shall we do? For this Man works many signs. If we let Him alone like this, everyone will believe in Him, and the Romans will come and take away both our place and nation." Caiaphas, who was the high priest that year, responded this way: "You know nothing at all, nor do you consider that it is expedient for us that one man should die for the people, and not that the whole nation should perish." See last week's readings for the story of the raising of Lazarus, and Saturday's regarding the response of the council: It is expedient for us that one man should die for the people.

And the Passover of the Jews was near, and many went from the country up to Jerusalem before the Passover, to purify themselves. My study bible notes regarding this verse, "Because Jesus is the Lamb of God (1:29), the connection between the Passover and the death of Jesus is important, and John emphasizes it over and again (see 2:13, 23; 6:4; 12:1; 13:1; 18:28, 39; 19:14, 42)." This event becomes the central focal point of the events of Jesus' ministry; for the early church, and to this day in many regions where the church took root, Easter (and its preparations including Holy Week) remains the central feast day of the year.

Then they sought Jesus, and spoke among themselves as they stood in the temple, "What do you think -- that He will not come to the feast?" Now both the chief priests and the Pharisees had given a command, that if anyone knew where He was, he should report it, that they might seize Him. So, we are to understand that He is a hunted man. Not only do the chief priests and Pharisees seek Him, but they have given orders that others should report Jesus' whereabouts. This means, of course, that Jesus knows He is a wanted man when He goes to the feast.

Then, six days before the Passover, Jesus came to Bethany, where Lazarus was who had been dead, whom He had raised from the dead. My study bible notes, "Six days before the Passover, the third Passover mentioned in John, begins the last week of Christ's earthly ministry, which is narrated in careful detail. The time for signs and miracles has passed. It remains for the Son of Man to be glorified through the completion of His mission (12:23; 13:31; 17:1, 5). As Passover draws near, the Lord returns to Bethany to spend the Saturday before Palm Sunday at the home of His close friends, Lazarus, Mary and Martha (see 11:5)."

There they made Him a supper; and Martha served, but Lazarus was one of those who sat at the table with Him. Then Mary took a pound of very costly oil of spikenard, anointed the feet of Jesus, and wiped His feet with her hair. And the house was filled with the fragrance of the oil. A note reads, "The account of the anointing contrasts Mary's act of devotion -- the 'extravagance of love' -- with Judas' bitter cynicism. Anticipating His death, Jesus considers the anointing to be a symbol of preparation of His body for burial (vv. 7, 8)." I think it is significant that we understand this as an act of love. It sets the stage for a contrast between rules - made with good intention - and the acts of true love and devotion. One can just imagine the fragrance of the oil permeating the entire dwelling. It would mean that no one could miss this significant act. Reading about spikenard is interesting; this was an extraordinary luxury. That she wipes his feet with her own hair is an act of extraordinary devotion.

But one of His disciples, Judas Iscariot, Simon's son, who would betray Him, said, "Why was this fragrant oil not sold for three hundred denarii and given to the poor?" This he said, not that he cared for the poor, but because he was a thief, and had the money box; and he used to take what was put in it. We have an understanding of the expense of the ointment, which Judas is quick to note. John tells us that Judas is a thief, and kept the money box. Clearly, Judas is thinking about expense and cost - and what it would mean for their operations.

But Jesus said, "Let her alone; she has kept this for the day of My burial. For the poor you have with you always, but Me you do not have always." Jesus here clearly comes down on the side of Mary and her act of devotion: He is with them yet a little while. The poor, and the need for charitable works, they will have with them always. This is clearly interpreted by Jesus as a prophetic act on Mary's part, an anointing before burial. It is an act of love and devotion by someone to whom He was deeply attached. See John 32-35.

What is the difference between love and good works? I think this story is very significant in terms of the question it poses to us. It's one thing to carry out a good economy, good works of a charitable nature. But love doesn't always work with strict rules and economy. There will always be times that call for something personal and extra to express our love and personal connection with someone or for something. Then we are in a different realm of not just following the rules for our own and others' good. Then we are in the realm of true love and devotion. This level of mercy, this room for love, is something essential and important. I think it's important for all personal relationships, and important for organizations of all types. There must be room for love, for the personal, for the extra measure that is necessary in a relationship of love. In other Gospels, Jesus countenances her act with the statement, "Assuredly, I say to you, wherever this gospel is preached in the whole world, what this woman has done will also be told as a memorial to her." It is the extra act of care that can sometimes make the whole of a difference. We need to know there is love and mercy as the connection between us. Otherwise all might become just "economy" - no matter how good a practice is.