Catholic Men’s Daily Devotional and Bible Study – 4th Week of Advent – Monday – Luke 1:5-25

Despite being born into holy Jewish linages (Zechariah and Elizabeth are born in priestly linages), fulfilling religious vocation (Zechariah is a priest) and living blameless lives before God, Elizabeth was barren through out her child-bearing years and is elderly and unable to conceive. In a culture which rejoiced in children and often blamed a person’s sins for barrenness, Elizabeth’s inability to conceive a child was both a heartache and a source of shame.

Despite the rarity of being called to offer incense and prayers in the inner Temple (the Holiest of Holies), Zechariah is mysteriously chosen by lot. Gabriel, who is last seen by Daniel some 600 years earlier to announce the future Messiah (Dan 9:21-27) and who is one of the seven archangels who minister in the presence of God (Rev 8:2), reveals the  couple’s prayers have been heard and they will bear a son who will announce the arrival of the Messiah in the “spirit and power of Elijah.”

Unlike Mary, Zechariah is fearful and full of of doubt; he is immediately struck mute and will remain so until the birth of John the Baptist. As he leaves the inner sanctuary of the Temple, Zechariah attempts to explain what has happened and the Jewish worshipers realize he has seen a sign. He returns home and, despite remaining mute, has marital relations with elderly Elizabeth who miraculously conceives.  At long last, Elizabeth rejoices as her shame of barrenness is lifted.

Awed by Jesus Christ – Person of the Trinity, Christ makes the plan of Salvation History come to be across thousands and of years. He intervenes in the lives of men, answers prayers and causes miraculous biological events to occur (the elderly bear children, men are made mute).  Son of God, Christ creates angels, supernatural beings who stand in His presence and do His will.

Being a Heroic Catholic Man

1) It is believed that Luke, the physician who accompanied Paul and authored the Gospel of Luke and the Acts of the Apostles, received directly from Mary, the Mother of God, the detailed accounts of the Infancy Narratives. During Advent, marvel at how Mary remembers the miraculous events that surround Christ’s infancy.

2) It is not surprising that men fail to trust that God answers prayers; Zechariah stood in the presence of the angel Gabriel and had difficulty believing. During the preparation of Advent, pray for God to give you the faith to trust in His Grace and that He will answer your prayers.

3) During Advent, the Church solemnly recalls the miraculous Immaculate Conception of Mary, Mary’s miraculous conception by the Holy Spirit of Christ and the miraculous conception of John the Baptist. Pray for Christ to help you grow in awe for the miracle of conception and the sacred dignity of every life, from conception through natural death.

Spiritual Practices – Include in Today’s Prayers

Sacred Mystery of Rosary – The Joyful Mysteries

Daily Devotion – The Souls in Purgatory

Virtue of the Day – Prudence

Corporal Work of Mercy – To give drink to the thirsty

Spiritual Work of Mercy – To instruct the ignorant