Thereon Old Father removed himself from their midst, and Elizar followed him. Then were seen three lights which companied with him (Z.). They (the priests) ran up, caught Old Father by the hem of his robe and said to him: "Old Father, what is 't that goes before thee, and what is 't that follows thee?" Then answered he them: "O Elizar, thou great house, thou head of all of the priests, I know not whom the lights guard which go before me. I know not with whom the fire goes which follows me. [But] neither through me nor through you will Enishbai bear a child." Then all the priests rose and said to Old Father Zakhriā, [they said] in reproach: "Old Father Zakhriā, be at peace, firm and decided, for the child will be planted from out of the most high height and be given to thee in thy old age. Yōhānā will be born, Yōhānā will receive Jordan and be called prophet in Jerusalem. We will be baptized with his baptizing and with his pure sign [will we] be signed. We will take his bread and drink his drink and with him ascend to Light's region."

What is it that compells Zakhriā? This goes far beyond doubt to absolute denial. There seems to be a resentment of the gift.

Over the last year, even across my life, I have been the recipient of great gifts much more tangible than this unlikely promise of a late-life birth. For me the promises have unfolded into experienced reality.

But rather than give thanks and receive the gifts with joy, I have too often worried over the reality and confused the gift with a rebuke.

Dear God, thank you for the lights which you have consistently sent to show me your path. Thank you for the fire with which you guard my journey.

Help me, dear God, to receive your gifts with joy, to recognize in them your intent, and to pursue your intent with creativity and courage.