June 24, 2017
(The Nativity of St. John the Baptist)
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. Lk_1:57-66,80
Zechariah became unable to speak when he doubted the words of the angel Gabriel, that he would have a child in his old age. And everyone knew that something very special happened to Zechariah when he took too long offering sacrifice to God and then came out speechless. It wasn’t until nine-months later that the answer came. By listening and obeying God’s command to name his son John, Zechariah was again able to speak. And the world knew that there was something very special in John. John was the forerunner, God’s messenger for the coming of the Christ – the Savior!
Isn’t it awesome, beloved, how wonderful (maybe challenging at times) life can be when we listen, obey and follow the commands of God. He always knows what’s best for us! And we are ALL special in His eyes!
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