Today is the
birth of St. John the Baptist. This feast is one of the earliest feasts to be named to a particular day on the Church calendar. June the 24
th was chosen as it is six months before the birth of Christ. In this occasion, as presented to us through the readings of today, I thought we may reflect on:
a) God’s call to us;
b) the parents of John;
c) and John’s witness of total giving to God’s will.
John was born of an older barren woman. His name was directly announced by the Angel (
see Lk 1:13). Elizabeth and Zachary were faithful people according to the Law of the Lord. Zechariah remained dumb till the birth of John because he doubted at the Angel’s word.
The first reading of today reminds us that God chose us and pronounced our name, even before we were born in our mother’s womb. Saint Luke, tells how John grew up and matured in the Spirit. He went to live in the desert (
God and himself only) to prepare for his mission; the highway to the Lord.
So many times, the Lord makes it quite clear to us what He wants; even though we may be strongly opposed by relatives as in the case of Elizabeth and Zechariah, the giving of the name
John (
the grace or mercy of the Lord).
I think we are faithful to God’s will when it is easy, but are we equally faithful as when we meet oppositions coming from any side, people or friends? However, as Zachary was blessed regardless of his doubts, we too, are also blessed, because of the good we do and for the praises we give Him. As the Gospel reminds us: “
Immediately Zechariah’s mouth was opened and his tongue freed and he began to speak, praising God”. In the end, are we humble enough to see God’s hand in many things that happen to our lives and in the lives of those around us, or do we take everything for granted, attributing all to our own efforts? God certainly works in us very quietly, even the impossible one. Isn’t it? Let’s thank the Lord who works wonders with us and in us.
Blessing and happy feast.
Fr. Mussie