There is a significant difference between the person seeking a sign from God because he or she doesn’t fully trust God, and the person who seeks a sign in order to discern God’s will and intention. Gideon’s fleece was an instant of the latter, whereas Zechariah’s incredulity an example of the former. Between these two, we encounter Mary whose faith and trust seek only a deeper understanding—and not proof—of the truth of the Angel’s message. Yet, she is nevertheless granted a sign that further deepens her faith—namely, that her aged relative, Elizabeth, is with child. Accordingly, this should remind us that we all live among signs that the Lord continually sends. Not all of these signs are experienced positively. Like Zechariah’s being rendered speechless, one of the greatest recurring signs that we are given on a daily basis, is our inner experience of that misery and suffering that signals our sinful and still unredeemed hearts. God’s hope is that this painful sign will urge us towards true repentance and ongoing conversion. As such, this particular sign serves as a “Key” that, according to today’s gospel acclamation, opens the gates of God’s eternal kingdom and frees us prisoners from darkness. Let us take hold of this Key, then, and with it pass through into the joyous light and freedom that marks us as God’s beloved and redeemed children.