The birth of John
LUKE 1:57-66, 80
WHEN the time arrived for Elizabeth to have her child she gave birth to a son. Her neighbors and relatives heard that the Lord had shown his great mercy toward her, and they rejoiced with her. When they came on the eighth day to circumcise the child, they were going to call him Zechariah after his father, but his mother said in reply, “No. He will be called John.” But they answered her, “There is no one among your relatives who has this name.” So they made signs, asking his father what he wished him to be called. He asked for a tablet and wrote, “John is his name,” and all were amazed. Immediately his mouth was opened, his tongue freed, and he spoke blessing God. Then fear came upon all their neighbors, and all these matters were discussed throughout the hill country of Judea. All who heard these things took them to heart, saying, “What, then, will this child be?” For surely the hand of the Lord was with him. The child grew and became strong in spirit, and he was in the desert until the day of his manifestation to Israel.
REFLECTION
HE WILL BE CALLED JOHN. Zechariah names his newborn son “John,” which means “God is gracious.” Zechariah interprets the birth of John as God showing graciousness to his people Israel. He is aware of his son’s mission: to prepare the way of the Lord, who will soon be born. This unexpected name indicates that Zechariah’s son will not work as a priest like him, but as a prophet working even in the wilderness. He will not be confined to the Temple.
The First Reading speaks of the Servant of the Lord. This man is destined by God from birth to gather the tribes of Israel back to God. His description fits John the Baptist well. God has predestined him to be the prophet to prepare Israel to meet Jesus, for the salvation of all. Through him, people will experience God’s graciousness and mercy.
The Second Reading acknowledges John the Baptist heralding the coming of the Savior by proclaiming a baptism of repentance. Those who will welcome Jesus, the Savior of Israel, are those purified from their sins through the River Jordan. John helps facilitate their encounter with the Messiah when he finally appears in their midst. Through John, God shows his graciousness.
We Christians can be instruments of God’s graciousness by living out our prophetic ministry that we received in our baptism. Like John, we should get out of the comfort of our homes and go forth to preach in the peripheries, to people journeying, through the desert and river, seeking God. God’s graciousness is experienced even in places where food is simple and rituals are not elaborate.
SOURCE: “365 Days with the Lord 2018,” ST. PAULS Philippines, 7708 St. Paul Rd., SAV, Makati City (Phils.); Tel.: 895-9701; Fax 895-7328; E-mail: books@stpauls.ph; Website: http://www.stpauls.ph.