#birthofsaintjohnthebaptist

[brotherseph]

Birth of John the Baptist

December 23, 2020, Wednesday (Wednesday of the Fourth Week of Advent) (Violet) (Optional Memorial of Saint John of Kanty, Priest) (White) (Eighth Day of Simbang Gabi/Misa De Gallo) (White) CYCLE B - YEAR I RDGS: MAL 3:1-4. 23-24/ PS 25:4-5. 8-9. 10. 14 GOSPEL: LK 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."

GOSPEL REFLECTION:

The name (‘John’) of this child to come tells us, in its original meaning, that God has shown special favour. The Lord is shaping a new future for humanity and the new-born’s call will be to announce to all, that this is just what is happening.

Zechariah and Elizabeth have been blessed with this new life in their declining years. And through the miracle of the unexpected birth, and of the binding and loosing of Zechariah’s tongue, the people realise that here God is taking a very direct hand in events - they know that they are on the threshold of mystery.

PRAYER:

Lord, Praise, amazement and joy are hallmarks of a life rooted in you. Fill me with these gifts. Enable me to be a tracer of your grace in my life and to lift up my voice in joyful thanksgiving.

[ramirollona]

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