The text preceding the vision Zachariah has of angel Gabriel announcing the birth of a son to him, describes Zachariah and his wife to be devout Jews, following the Scriptures scrupulously, blamelessly. Yet when the angel appears to Zachariah, he finds it hard to believe the words of the angel. There is nothing of such description about Mary preceding the annunciation. She is not described as 'following the commandments and ordinances blamelessly', yet when she is told that she is to become the mother of God, she accepts and the angel - same, Gabriel - departs. No punishment.
Wonder why Gabriel was so harsh on Zachariah and not on Mary? After all, Mary too asks, 'How is this possible? Since I do not know a man?' Gabriel only replies her that God will see to it. While in the case of Zachariah, he is silenced! He is struck dumb!
I guess there is more of what has not been truly recorded. Perhaps Mary, even though she did not follow the letter of the law to its perfection, she was more open to the spirit of Yahweh. Zachariah, on the other hand, was very much concerned about keeping the letter of the law. He did not expect God to spring surprises on him, certainly not with something outside the text. Being a priest, he should have been more open to His spirit than Mary who was not so well versed in the Scriptures. Just goes to show that openness to God is what is more appreciated than perfect adherence to rules. Apart from this there seems no valid reason for Gabriel to be kind to Mary and harsh on Zachariah. (Unless Gabriel was partial, or Zachariah dumb-stricken by surprise, more than punished by Gabriel).
Wonder why Gabriel was so harsh on Zachariah and not on Mary? After all, Mary too asks, 'How is this possible? Since I do not know a man?' Gabriel only replies her that God will see to it. While in the case of Zachariah, he is silenced! He is struck dumb!
I guess there is more of what has not been truly recorded. Perhaps Mary, even though she did not follow the letter of the law to its perfection, she was more open to the spirit of Yahweh. Zachariah, on the other hand, was very much concerned about keeping the letter of the law. He did not expect God to spring surprises on him, certainly not with something outside the text. Being a priest, he should have been more open to His spirit than Mary who was not so well versed in the Scriptures. Just goes to show that openness to God is what is more appreciated than perfect adherence to rules. Apart from this there seems no valid reason for Gabriel to be kind to Mary and harsh on Zachariah. (Unless Gabriel was partial, or Zachariah dumb-stricken by surprise, more than punished by Gabriel).
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