In today’s Gospel, Zecheriah, upon hearing Angel Gabriel’s prophecy about his having a son, demonstrated disbelief. Indeed, it seemed impossible to him that his aging wife would bear a child, and he immediately responded to the Angel’s proclamations with doubt. Of course, in Zecheriah’s case, he was rendered mute because of his disbelief, his lack of faith. Even when he left the sanctuary, he could not share his vision with anyone else, destined to remain mute until the day the prophecy comes true.

Doubt figures into our lives very prominently. Doubt regarding our own abilities, about the ways in which different things play out in our lives. Doubt about the future, about our purpose and how exactly to get there. Most of all, doubt in the fact that God has a plan for all of us, and that we must rest in the faith that He will grant us nothing but good.

This Gospel resonates with me very strongly. When things seem impossible, when life seems absurd, throwing us curve balls left and right, we must keep the faith that God reveals the truth. Zecheriah bowed to human instinct, and instantly began to doubt God’s plan for him and his wife. We often do the same, when in fact—in Him, all is possible. Today, I hope to mull over these words, reflect on how to better trust in the path God has already carved out for us, and just follow faithfully.