Commentary of the Gospell

December 21, 2022

Believing God’s Words

Elizabeth praises Mary for having truly believed that God’s words would come true, unlike her own husband, Zechariah who couldn’t come to such belief initially. When we pray, do we really believe in its efficacy? There is a story about a bunch of parishioners who took to non-stop prayer vigils before a bar that was soon to open near their church. They prayed that the bar project would not happen. On the eve of its inauguration, the building collapsed inexplicably, and so was the project cancelled. The owner of the bar, an atheist, filed a case, claiming that the collapse happened due to the prayer of the parishioners and therefore, seeking damages from them. The parishioners counter-argued that the collapse was not due to their prayer. Imagine: an atheist who believed in the power of prayer, and a bunch of believers who argued against the efficacy of prayer!  Blessed, indeed, was Mary; Blessed, indeed, are those who believe God’s words.

Paulson Veliyannoor, CMF - Claretian Publications Philippines