Zechariah said to the angel, ‘How will I know that this is so? For I am an old man, and my wife is getting on in years.’ The angel replied, ‘I am Gabriel. I stand in the presence of God, and I have been sent to speak to you and to bring you this good news. But now, because you did not believe my words, which will be fulfilled in their time, you will become mute, unable to speak, until the day these things occur.’ (Luke 1:18-20)

Even a priest in the temple hearing good news from an angel finds it difficult to believe.

When the best response would be a joyous shout, we join Zechariah in trembling disbelief.

In fear we have become essentially mute, our words as weak as our faith.