All We Need is Faith

Today’s readings bring us the stories of the birth of Samson and John and are precursors to the angel Gabriel’s visit to Mary. Unlike Mary and even Elizabeth, his wife, Zechariah has doubts about the angel Gabriel’s news that Elizabeth, advanced in years, will bear a son and he will be named John.

Zechariah’s lack of faith results in him being unable to speak. He regains his speech only after John is born and he believed. Contrast this with Mary’s response of “I am the handmaid of the Lord, let it be done to me according to your word.

Who are we more like, Zechariah or