The angel Gabriel said to [Zechariah], “Your wife will bear you a son…” But Zechariah said to the angel, “How shall I know this? For I am an old man, and my wife is advanced in years?” (Lk 1:13, 18).
The angel Gabriel said to [Mary], “You will conceive in your womb and bear a son…” But Mary said to the angel, “How can this be, since I have no relations with a man?” (Lk 1:31, 34).

20 Dec 2020. 4th Sunday Advent, Cycle B-2021. 2Sm 7:1-5, 8b-12, 14a, 16 + Rom 16:25-27 + Lk 1:26-38

Zechariah’s doubt was condemned (cf. Lk 1:18-20), yet Mary’s doubt was condoned (cf. Lk 1:34-38).

Was Zechariah’s doubt, an intellectual derision, while Mary’s doubt, an ignorant question? God did not explain, for He owed no explanation.

God, the Supreme Judge, is not a Supreme Court Justice. He sets no precedent; He follows no precedent.

If He grants the petition of one, He is not bound to grant alike the petition of another.

If he favors one in one way, He is not bound to favor another in the same way.

If He overlooks the fault of one, He is not bound to overlook alike the fault of another.

If He punishes one in certain manner, He is not bound to punish another in like manner.

He decides by wisdom, not by polls. Justice is His might; mercy is His right.

All we know is that He is all knowing, all wise and all just. We, knowing no more, need to trust His perfect power.

He knows what was, what is, and what will be. He knows what is good and what is bad to do with a particular person in a particular situation.

Man sees not all; man hears not all. Man judges by what he saw, and by what he heard. Imperfect that he is, he lacks the wisdom to exact exceptions.

My law is flawed, my LORD GOD, while Your will is wise. Amen. VSS

Picture credit: Angel Gabriel appears before Zechariah and Mary. Picture collaged from photos of WordPress.com.