JGS 13:2-7, 24-25a; LK 1:5-25
Isn’t it odd that when the angel tells the righteous Zechariah that his prayer for a son has been heard, he protests the biological improbability of such an outcome? What had his prayer been like? Had he only expressed the pious sentiments expected of a priest? Was he shifting the responsibility for his childlessness from himself to God?
This Gospel offers a skillful portrait of clericalism. Instead of approbation for his righteousness Zechariah is reduced to silence which may be the best thing that ever happened to him in his long life