“John is his name”

My dear friends in Christ,

We read today that Elizabeth's neighbors and relatives rejoice with her because God has shown her mercy in the birth of a son. In what should be a joyous occasion, confusion arises when she tells them that his name is to be John, which means “God has been gracious.” Zechariah has been unable to speak since the Angel Gabriel appeared, because, unlike Mary, he doubted the angel's word. But when he writes on a tablet “John is his name” all are amazed, and a great fear comes upon everyone. Fear, along with joy and praise, is for Luke the appropriate response to God's mercy. People ask, “What, then, will this child be?” But this question has already been answered by the angel. “He will be great in the sight of the Lord. He will turn many of the children of Israel to the Lord their God.” Zechariah responds with praise in his famous canticle. John will become strong in spirit living in the desert until it is time to show himself to the people of Israel to preach a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins. John did not want or need attention. His focus was on Jesus. He was the voice that cried out in the wilderness: Hear me! Listen! Behold, He is coming!

A special thank you to Bobby, Tiffany, Dave, Marty, and Bill for staying after the 11:30 AM Mass to help clean up a potentially disastrous situation in one of our hallway bathrooms. It is in these times that we see Church rally and come alive in our very midst. May God bless you all!

Father John