Today's scripture readings seem to show us that it is invariably the expectant mothers who respond to God's promise with singular faith and nothing else. 'Thank God, all will be well!' Faith in God's goodness brings joy, gratitude, trust and inner peace. On the contrary, the fathers' reactions to God's goodness are often mixed. Samson's father Manoah was busy thinking of ways to help God raise his child (Judges 13:1-25). God's answer to him was: raise the child by following my instructions to the mother - keep the mind level and the heart pure. Elizabeth's husband Zachariah's response upon hearing the good news of God's promise of a son was: 'It's too good to be true.' God's response was to make him quiet so that Elizabeth could enjoy her reclaimed pride in solitude and give praise to God.

Let's have faith in God's loving-kindness. The child will grow, God will bless him, and the Spirit of the Lord will guide him so that God's intent for the child will be fulfilled - for Samson, the rescuer of the Israelites from their enemies; for John, the new Elijah, who restores relationships and announces the coming of Emmanuel, the Messiah!