Solemnity of the Birth of John the Baptist

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.
· The great mercy: she had been barren for many years and was past child-bearing age when she conceived.
· How has God shown his great mercy to you?

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.” 
· Through circumcision the male child became covenanted to Yahweh and was incorporated into the People of God.
· Baptism for us goes beyond circumcision. We share the very life of God as his son or daughter and are freed from all sin and alienation from God.
· “John” was the name given to him by God through the angel, when his conception was prophesied.

So they made signs, asking his father what he wished him to be called.
· Remember Zechariah has been unable to speak once the angel revealed God’s plan and seemingly Zechariah had some doubts.
 He asked for a tablet and wrote, “John is his name,” and all were amazed.
· It was the role of the father to name the child. He confirmed Elizabeth’s decision, However, the people were amazed because he who was mute before the conception of the child is now able to speak after the birth of the child.

Immediately his mouth was opened, his tongue freed, and he spoke blessing God.
· Zechariah’s faith and obedience to God led to his healing.
· How submissive and obedient are we to God’s plan in our life?

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. 
· First, the conception was a miracle. Second, the freedom from muteness was a miracle. No wonder the people were amazed and questioned the future of this child in God’s plan.
· Where do we see God working in our lives and in the lives of others?