All the priests arose and said to Old Father Zakhriā, in reproach: "Old Father! We will enlighten thee as to thy race and thy fathers, from whom thou hast come forth. . . . [there follows a list of prophets and sages, beginning with Moses, which I omit, as it requires a lengthy commentary for which space here does not serve,—ending with]. . . Ṭāb-Yōmīn and the school-teachers have come forth from thy race. The blessed princes, who are thy forbears, Old Father, all of them have taken no wife and begotten no sons. Yet in their old age each of them had a son. They had sons, and they were prophets in Jerusalem. If now out of thee as well a prophet comes forth, thou dost then revive this race again. Yea, Yōhānā will be born and will be called prophet in Jerusalem. "Then Elizar opened his mouth and said to Old Father: "Old Father! If Yōhānā receives Jordan, then will I be his servant, be baptized with his baptizing and signed with his pure sign. We will take his bread and drink his drink and with him ascend to Light's region." Then Old Father opened his mouth and said unto all of the priests: "If the child comes out of the most high height, what then will you do in Jerusalem?" They have taken the child out of the basin of Jordan and laid him in the womb of Enishbai. Life is victorious and victorious is the Man who has come hither.

Yet in their old age each of them had a son...

Finally, prayers are answered. Finally, waiting ends. Finally, the struggle is fulfilled.

With Zakhriā and with others their lives are fulfilled despite doubt and even rejection of God.

Zakhriā has not earned Yohana. Jerusalem does not deserve Yohana. God's grace is self-giving love.

We have seen from Adam to Moses and across the generations a tendency to resist this love. Dear God, help me to open to your love, receiving and being transformed in relationship with you.