John is his name

Greetings on this the Solemnity of the Nativity of Saint John the Baptist
Readings: Isaiah 49:1-6; Psalm 139:1b-3, 13-14ab, 14c-15; Acts 13:22-26;Luke 1:57-66, 80

Reflection

John challenges us Christians to the fundamental attitude of Christianity—total dependence on the Father, in Christ. Except for the Mother of God, no one had a higher function in the unfolding of salvation. Yet the least in the kingdom, Jesus said, is greater than he, for the pure gift that the Father gives. The attractiveness as well as the austerity of John, his fierce courage in denouncing evil—all stem from his fundamental and total placing of his life within the will of God.

From the Franciscan Media. https://www.franciscanmedia.org/saint-of-the-day/nativity-of-saint-john-the-baptist/

John was a one-off, as the saying goes, stronger in the Lord than most. He is the Herald, the Friend and the Groomsman. But it all started with Mom and Dad listening and trusting the voice of the Lord.

Reflection

His mother said in reply, “No. He will be called John.” 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 (LK 1:60, 62-63).

It is the hidden in plain sight gem.

Both Mother and Father speaking with one united voice. He shall be called John. Obeying God and knowing his answer to prayer.

Elizabeth and Zechariah were both blessed with insights regarding John.

1. Answered prayer – take away shame, personal and universal.
2. Sign of mutism – sign of the power to make life (at any age) and to lead us into deeper thought silence (removing doubt).
3. Promise of the future – for him, them, all of us.

Personal Reflection

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 (LK 1:66).

Take heart every man and woman expecting or hoping for a child. The Lord has a plan for you and your baby bean. A wonderful and marvelous plan. There is only one John the Baptist. And there is only one of you. Every child, in their own way…

“to shine on those who sit in darkness and death’s shadow, to guide our feet into the path of peace (LK 1:79).”

Sacred Readings Full text: https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/062425-Mass.cfm

Peace be with you,
Deacon Gerry