The readings for this homily: https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/121925.cfm

When God is about to do something great—something that will change lives—He almost always begins with preparation. That preparation is rarely comfortable. It often includes waiting, suffering, and long seasons that seem unanswered. Father Anthony Gramlich, MIC reflects on this divine pattern by drawing our attention to two couples marked by infertility and faith: Manoah and his wife in the Old Testament, and Zechariah and Elizabeth in the New Testament.

Samson’s birth followed years of suffering, yet his consecration began before he ever took a breath. In the same way, the birth of John the Baptist comes only after decades of hidden fidelity. Zechariah and Elizabeth were “righteous in the eyes of God,” yet they carried a heavy cross. Their story reveals a hard truth of the spiritual life: holiness does not exempt us from suffering. Often, it deepens it.

Zechariah’s moment of doubt silences him, but God’s promise is not silenced. The angel Gabriel declares, “Your prayer has been heard” (Lk 1:13; NABRE), reminding us that prayers offered in faith are never wasted—even when the answer comes long after hope seems reasonable. God works on His timetable, not ours, and His plans exceed human logic.

This Gospel teaches us not to ask “why” in suffering, but to trust that God is preparing something greater than we can imagine. As the Church leads us toward Christmas, these Scriptures invite us to prepare not just our homes, but our hearts. Christ does not enter through decorations or schedules, but through faith refined by trust.

“For nothing will be impossible for God” (Lk 1:37; NABRE).