Today's readings are about barren women who were given a son by the power of God. In Judges, there is an account of a barren woman who was visited by an angel who brought a message of hope - she would bear a son. The woman was to abstain from alcohol and unclean food, for her son would be a Nazarite - set apart by the Lord even from conception. The son's name was Samson. His mother was faithful to the Lord, and as Samson grew, God blessed him.

Luke was writing of the annunciation of the birth of John. Both Zechariah and Elizabeth had priestly ancestors and were faithful in following the Lord. Elizabeth was barren, but the angel promised Zechariah they would have a son. They were to name him John, and he would be like the prophet Elijah. Zechariah responded with disbelief - he sought understanding first before he could believe. For his lack of faith, Zechariah became mute. Elizabeth, however, conceived and was amazed at the Lord's goodness.