...most of the time....
My wife regularly attends morning Mass on her way to work.
I, on the other hand, haven't been--for reasons that really are inexcusable--
See, my son and I would attend morning Mass at another church, a little closer to home. But, since the Nicene Creed had been changed (by the pastor) --we decided that we really ought not go--besides it became a near occasion of sin since I became judgmental.
So we were in a little diaspora.
My wife suggested that we all go with her in the morning.
Well, this means getting up earlier--and a few other arrangements--then driving back home---then driving back to work.
I wasn't in favor of it.
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| Tissot--Zechariah |
Yeh--I preach sacrifice and even blog about it---okay okay I get it.
So we went today--and the Gospel was appropriate--the father of John the Baptist, Zechariah is doing his priestly duty when the angel Gabriel appears and announces all the salvation news that an old guy can handle. Of course Zechariah's doubting upsets Gabriel who reacts with a little God humor and mutes the guy.
I couldn't help but wonder how my not wanting to make a drive for Mass would be interpreted by Gabriel.
I don't want to be stricken mute.
I need to listen to my wife.
So there you have it.
We never 'get' God the way we want.
John the Baptist wasn't born the regular way--while Elizabeth and Zechariah were younger. Think of how the man filled with the spirit of Elijah was called into the desert to proclaim and make ready and baptize. The gospel actually describes his appearance--not a usual approach for Luke--so John must have been a sight to see. I wondered if Zechariah ever told him to get a hair cut or his mother ever worried about what he was eating...
God never, ever comes as expected. He was making ready the way in the midst in Elizabeth's womb and even in the midst of Zechariah's unbelief.
Don't be silenced--be made ready.
I'm glad I listened to my wife.
