3RD WEEK OF ADVENT

The whole assembly of the people was praying.

For many generations, the Jewish people had gathered at the Temple to pray and offer their sacrifices to the Lord. Over time, the people began adding to their prayers a longing for God’s Messiah to come and rescue them. Zechariah the priest and his wife, Elizabeth, also prayed in faith for a messiah, even as they hoped for a child of their own.

Finally, one day as “the whole assembly of the people was praying” (Luke 1:10) and Zechariah was offering incense as part of his priestly duties, an angel appeared to tell him that Elizabeth would soon conceive a child. This child would be more than just a blessing to one holy barren couple. By calling the nation to repentance and faith, he would be the forerunner of the Messiah himself.

It’s fitting that the first inkling of the Messiah’s coming would happen in the Temple while God’s people had gathered to pray. This atmosphere of prayer, faith, and hope was the fertile soil in which his plan of salvation would begin to take root.

When we gather to pray and worship at Mass, we are like Zechariah and Elizabeth and the whole assembly of the people. We bring our individual petitions and offer them to God—those things that are dear to our hearts. But though we pray as individuals, we also pray as a body. God hears not just our own personal prayers but all the prayers we offer as one people. As our voices rise up to heaven in praise and thanksgiving, Jesus, present in the Eucharist, works powerfully among us. He forgives our sins, deepens our faith, and heals our hearts.

Perhaps like Zechariah, you’ve lost some hope that God will actually work his wonders in your life. If doubts like these mingle with your prayers, then it’s time to gather with the whole assembly of the people. Go to Mass, not just on Sunday, but during the week if possible. Go with confidence and worship with your brothers and sisters with one voice. Because when as one body we gather together and offer our prayers to the Lord, wonderful things can happen!

Jesus, you are present among us. Hear our prayers and act powerfully in our midst.”

Judges 13:2-7, 24-25
Psalm 71:3-6, 16-17
Luke 1:5-25