The priest Zechariah and his wife Elizabeth lived blamelessly before God but remained childless into old age. As the angel promised, they became the parents of John the Baptist, and Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit when Mary visited her.
Life
Saints Zechariah and Elizabeth were the parents of John the Baptist. According to Luke's Gospel, Zechariah was a priest who served in the Temple, and Elizabeth was a descendant of Aaron. Both lived righteously before God but remained childless into old age.
While Zechariah was offering incense in the Temple, an angel announced the birth of a son, but because he did not believe, he was struck mute. Elizabeth then conceived John, and when Mary visited her, she praised her as "blessed among women." When John was born, Zechariah's speech returned and he praised God in the Canticle of Zechariah (the Benedictus).
Spirituality
The spirituality of Zechariah and Elizabeth is faithfulness to God through long waiting. They kept the commandments even when their prayers seemed unanswered. Zechariah's song of praise after his season of silence is a confession that God always keeps His promises.
Reflection
After long waiting, Zechariah and Elizabeth saw God's promise fulfilled. Shall I entrust to God again today the prayers that still seem unanswered?