Because you did not believe my words

“I am Gabriel, who stand before God. I was sent to speak to you and to announce to you this good news. But now you will be speechless and unable to talk until the day these things take place, because you did not believe my words, which will be fulfilled at their proper time.” (LK 1: 19-20)

It was too much for Zechariah to accept. From his knowledge about fertility, their age put them outside the possibility of being parents. But God’s “good news” announced by Gabriel was bigger and stronger than Zechariah’s lack of faith. God’s promises “will be fulfilled at their proper time” even if he “did not believe [the] Angel’s words.”

“O Root of Jesse’s stem, sign of God’s love for all his people: come to save us without delay!” (Gospel Acclamation)