A reading from the holy Gospel according to Luke 1:57-66
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.
REFLECTION: “What, then, will this child be?"
The name John means "the Lord is gracious". John came at a time that the world was broken by sin, corruption and death. The world was lost and without hope. John the Baptist was filled by the Holy Sprit and he would be the second Elijah in preparing the world for the Messiah. He would baptize through repentance. He would prepare us for Jesus through prayer and penance.
God does not just "save us" but He gives us the joy of the Holy Spirit. With Christmas coming in a few days Jesus is at hand. Let us be filled with joy, gratitude, love and faith. John the Baptist reminds us that God is gracious and He will always take us back.
It was a joyous event for the family of Zechariah. Zechariah spent 9 months in silence--meditating and praying. When his mouth was freed he opened up with praise and thanksgiving for the birth of their son. Let's greet the Lord with shouts of joy this Christmas.
God Bless You
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