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The big difference is that Zacheriah was the acting High Priest in the temple of the Lord and Mary was a young girl. The High Priest should be mature and spiritual enough to accept the message from God unquestionably under these circumstances, while with Mary, given her immaturity and situation, it was more understandable of her to ask questions. The High Priest's responsiblities are far greater than Mary's.

I'm not arguing this point at all. It isn't relevant to Pelayo's question:

"Now did Mary believe when she heard? Or like Zechari'ah was she made mute?"

Zechari'ah also believed, though not immediately, and he did so before Mary did. Pelayo inferrs that Mary would also have been made mute if she didn't believe.

Pelayo inferrs that Mary would also have been made mute if she didn't believe.

Yes, I understand all that. I agree that their reactions, based on the Biblical record were not much differert, but Zechariah was made mute due to the fact that he should have known better than to question the Lord's word in his situation. The angel cut Mary slack due to her young age and circumstances. Thus, it doesn't prove what Pelayo wants it to prove IMO.

Since it is clear that proddies aren't capable of reading scripture I will post the whole thing with my own (fallible) interpretation, and we shall see who is trying to read Scripture to prove some of us wrong, and who is just reading Scripture.

Luke 1:18 And Zechari'ah said to the angel, "How shall I know this? For I am an old man, and my wife is advanced in years." 19 And the angel answered him, "I am Gabriel, who stand in the presence of God; and I was sent to speak to you, and to bring you this good news. 20 And behold, you will be silent and unable to speak until the day that these things come to pass, because you did not believe my words, which will be fulfilled in their time."

As you can see Zachariah asks "How shall I know this?" indicating disbelief and requesting a sign as proof.

Luke 1:34 And Mary said to the angel, "How shall this be, since I have no husband?" 35 And the angel said to her, "The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you; therefore the child to be born will be called holy, the Son of God. 36 And behold, your kinswoman Elizabeth in her old age has also conceived a son; and this is the sixth month with her who was called barren. 37 For with God nothing will be impossible." 38 And Mary said, "Behold, I am the handmaid of the Lord; let it be to me according to your word." And the angel departed from her.

How shall this be? Not How shall I know this, or how shall I believe you? Mary believes that it shall happen, but being a young girl she would no doubt be afraid. She isn't asking for proof or signs, just "how will it happen?" And once it is explain she no longer fears, for she is truly Blessed (Favored/Given Grace from the LORD/ Full of Grace).