We
begin the Season of Announcement, which is a
commemoration of those events surrounding and
culminating with the incarnation of Jesus. The
season opens with the announcement to Zechariah
that John, the Forerunner of Jesus, was to be
born.
Mention
of the Archangel Gabriel, whose name means "God
is strong," is found in the Old Testament. The
Archangel appeared to the prophet Daniel and
spoke of the end of time when God will come to
judge his people. In the New Testament, the
appearance of Gabriel to Zechariah is an
indication that Gabriel is completing his
mission and that the final days have begun.
Although almost two millennia have intervened
since the birth of John the Forerunner, it must
always be recalled that we are living in the
"end times" -- the fulfillment of all that has
been promised.
Gabriel
appeared to Zechariah, a descendant of Aaron, a
member of the priestly caste. This appearance
took place while Zechariah was fulfilling one of
the priestly functions, the offering of incense
at the Temple altar.
The
prophecy of a birth of a son was not only good
news for Israel, but also good news for the aged
Zechariah and Elizabeth. For years they had been
living under the curse of having no children.
Gabriel now told them that Elizabeth, in her
advanced age, was to give birth to a son. The
news given to Zechariah and Elizabeth recalls
the promise given to Abraham and Sarah: they too
were childless, but were promised descendants.
Although
he knew that nothing is impossible for God,
Zechariah doubted the message. In order to bring
him to belief, Gabriel gave him a sign:
Zechariah was to be mute until the birth of his
son. This sign given to Zechariah is intended
for all of us. John the Forerunner is the link
between the Old and New Covenants. With the
coming of the Savior, the Old will be silenced
and the New Covenant proclaimed. Filled with the
Spirit, we cry out with Zechariah, "Blessed are
you, O God!"
The early Fathers provided us with an
interesting epilogue to this account. They
taught that Zechariah was martyred because he
refused to disclose John's hiding place to
Herod's soldiers.
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