In the opening verses of the Gospel of Luke we read, “That you may know the certainty of those things in which you were instructed.” (Luke 1.4) Luke begins this way, unique to his Gospel, by acknowledging that not only did other versions of the Gospel exist but that many did not fully understand or believe what they had been told. Saint Luke, a doctor by education, could be trusted in his description of the story of Jesus Christ.
One such unbelievable story is told about the conception and birth of John the Baptist from elderly parents. John’s father, Saint Zacharias, was told, “’Your wife Elizabeth will bear you a son, and you shall call his name John’….And Zacharias said to the angel, ‘How shall I know this? For I am an old man, and my wife is well advanced in years.’” (Luke 1.13,18) This was unbelievable even for Zacharias who was made mute because he doubted God’s power.
We know the rest of the story….John was born and his father received his speech after obeying the commandment to name his son John. Zacharias doubted the power of God but eventually turned around after witnessing the power of God in the birth of his son.
God has a story for us too. He desires for us to believe in Him, follow His commandments, love and serve our neighbor and to love God will all our might and live in Communion with Him and each other. Sound unbelievable? Just follow Zacharias’ example and live the life Christ has established and witness His power….and you’ll believe too!