Today’s readings remind us that God’s glory and power does not depend on our holiness nor readiness. In the First Reading, Manoah’s wife is told that despite her limiting circumstance, the Lord will have His way, and bring life to the man destined by God to begin the deliverance of Israel from the power of the Philistines. The woman asks no questions, and the Lord fulfils His Word. In the Gospel, a similar miracle occurs; however, in this instance, Zechariah questions the angel. He lists out the many reasons as to why God’s Word could not possibly come to pass. Zechariah mistakenly assumes that he and his wife’s limitations would hinder a mighty move of God. Consequently, he is silenced until the prophecy was fulfilled. In the face of God’s perfect glory, questions and doubts shift the focus back on to us. How self-centric to think we could pose any barriers to God’s plans? It is vain to assume that our limitations are a limitation to Him. May we not stutter in disbelief nor doubt as Zechariah did, but simply allow God to be God.

Prayer: Abba Father, expand our spiritual imagination, so that we may not limit your mighty works, but be filled with awe and reverence at Your power. Amen.