God Works Even When We Are Already Laughing in Doubt

December 19, 2025 – Fourth Day of Misa Aguinaldo

Click here for the readings (https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/121925.cfm)

Let me begin with a story many Filipinos can relate to. There is a common scene in our families, especially when there is a reunion or a fiesta. A relative, most often, an auntie would ask, “Kanus-a man ka magminyo?” or “Kanus-a man mo magka-anak?” And usually, the one being asked would just laugh and reply, “Ay, wala pa man gyud,” or “Murag wala na gyud.” In this seemingly simple conversation everyone would laugh. Then, the question is brushed off.

Yet deep inside, sometimes there is also pain, longing, or a prayer that has been carried quietly for many years by those who have been asked. This is perhaps because of the expectations of people around and the pressure that one could feel from our family members.

Well, as Filipinos, we know how to laugh even at what hurts. Humor often becomes our way of surviving disappointment and frustrations. We smile, we joke, but we also hope. And this is where today’s readings meet us and invite us to discover God’s gentle calling for us on this 4^th Day of the Misa de Aguinaldo.

The story from the Book of Judges tells us about a woman who could not conceive. In that culture, childlessness was a heavy burden. It was not only personal pain but also a social shame. And yet, God saw her. An angel appeared and announced something impossible that she would bear a son. That child would be Samson, someone set apart for God even before birth. Here, God was already at work long before anyone noticed.

The Gospel gives us a similar story, but with a familiar twist. Zechariah and Elizabeth were righteous people. These couple followed God faithfully. They were deeply religious, always praying. But one thing was missing. They had no child. And now they were old. Very old. If they were Filipinos today, they would probably say, “Tama na, Lord. Okay na mi. Di na mi mag-expect oi.” They had learned to live with disappointment and shame.

For Elizabeth, in the culture before, she carried more shame because of the social pressure since she was barren. It was even believed that having no child was a form of God’s punishment because of sin committed.

Then suddenly, while Zechariah was doing his duty in the temple, an angel appeared to him. Gabriel announced that Elizabeth would bear a son. And his name would be John. The name John actually means “God is gracious!”

And this child would prepare the way of the Lord. It was good news, indeed. In fact, a very good news. However, Zechariah could not help it. That good news was overwhelming and too much to bear and accept. Too good to be true for that matter. And so, the old Zechariah doubted. He asked, “How shall I know this?” In other words, “Sigurado ka ani, Lord? Tigulang na mi oi.”

And because of his doubt, Zechariah was struck mute. He could not speak. There is something almost funny here. A priest of the Temple who preached the Word of God suddenly lost his voice. By muting Zechariah, God was saying, “Zechariah, enough talking. It’s time for you to listen well.” Thus, sometimes God allows silence not as punishment, but as a lesson for us.

In both readings, it tells us something very important. That, indeed, God works even when we think it is already too late. God acts even when we have stopped expecting and hoping. And God remains faithful even when we laugh in doubt.

Psalm 71 captures this beautifully. “You are my hope, O Lord.” From the womb to old age, God remains faithful to us. This psalm reminds us that our story does not begin with our success, and it does not end with our failure. God has been present all along in each of us and as a Church.

What makes these stories powerful is not just the miracle of a child being born. It is the patience of God. It is because God waited and listened to prayers whispered for years. And when the time was right, God acted and revealed His grace.

This makes us realize that Zechariah’s silence became a space for reflection. In that silence, God was working. And so, Elizabeth conceived and life began to grow quietly. We see that God did not rush and the Lord did not explain everything at once. God simply fulfilled His promise.

Now, advent teaches us this same lesson. Many of us are waiting. And we wait for many things in life. Indeed, some of us have been waiting for so long that we no longer expect anything. We just laugh it off. “Bahala na ka Lord oi.” But deep inside, our prayer is still there.

Today, the Lord remind us that He does not forget delayed prayers. The Lord does not abandon faithful hearts because God certainly, works in His time, not ours.

Like Zechariah, we will have our doubts and questions. God may even lead us into silence. But silence does not mean absence. In fact, silence is often where God works best.

As we wake up early for Misa de Aguinaldo, tired and sleepy, let us remember this: God is already at work, even when we do not see results yet. God is faithful, even when our faith is weak. God turns long waiting into unexpected joy. So, do not lose hope. Do not stop praying. Do not think it is already too late.

I leave you now two simple takeaways for today.

First, when prayers seem unanswered, do not give up. God is surely preparing something greater than you imagine.

Second, learn to be quiet before God each day. In silence, God speaks and acts. So, allow the Lord to reveal His grace, in His time. Hinaut pa.