A reading from the gospel according to Luke 1:57-66, 80

57 When the time arrived for Elizabeth to have her child she gave birth to a son.
58 Her neighbors and relatives heard that the Lord had shown his great mercy toward her, and they rejoiced with her.
59 When they came on the eighth day to circumcise the child, they were going to call him Zechariah after his father,
60 but his mother said in reply, “No. He will be called John.”
61 But they answered her, “There is no one among your relatives who has this name.”
62 So they made signs, asking his father what he wished him to be called.
63 He asked for a tablet and wrote, “John is his name,” and all were amazed.
64 Immediately his mouth was opened, his tongue freed, and he spoke blessing God.
65 Then fear came upon all their neighbors, and all these matters were discussed throughout the hill country of Judea.
66 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.
80 The child grew and became strong in spirit, and he was in the desert until the day of his manifestation to Israel.

Gospel Reflection:

The gospel reminds us of the birth of John the Baptist, the cousin of Jesus. He was born to Elizabeth who was past normal child bearing years and her husband Zachary was in disbelief about having a son of old age. Hence, Zechariah became mute as a form of punishment for his lack of faith. We hear in the gospel that as soon as he wrote the name John, his tongue was loosened and he was able to speak again.

John was born under unique circumstances. His parents did not choose his name. It was given from above which is derived from the Hebrew Yohanan, meaning “graced by God.” He was born with a very special mission – to prepare the way of the Lord. The child then grew and he was filled with God’s Spirit. He went on to live in the desert until the day of his public ministry.

There are three most important lessons that we can learn from our gospel reading.
1. Like John, we were also born with a purpose. We have our own special mission in life which was given to us from birth. Part of our mission is to find out our mission if we have not yet found it. But generally, as believers, we share in the mission of John – that is, to prepare the way for others to find Christ. By becoming light, we make the path of others easier in their journey towards the Kingdom. Woe to us if we become their stumbling block instead.

2. Like John, we did not choose our parents and even our names. We must learn to accept who we are and strive to love our parents and others for who they are. There is an old saying that says: “What we are is our gift from God and our parents; what we become is our gift to them.”

3. We have our weaknesses and so we need to be “graced by God”. We need the guidance of the Spirit for us to accomplish our mission. We need to constantly ask for strength through prayers. Like John, we should find time to go into the “desert” to be in communion with our creator because “apart from Him, we can do nothing” (John 15:5).

Let us now join the Psalmist in singing praises to God because we were fearfully and wonderfully made and His works are wonderful. (Psalm 139:14)

*****

The birth of a baby is always a happy occasion because every child is a gift from God. For the couple Zechariah and Elizabeth, the long-awaited child brought joy not just to them but to all their neighbors. Additionally, the unusual circumstance of the birth of John the Baptist became a hot topic among the villagers who became fearful and who were surely amazed at the work of God.

The name given to the child is John in English which is derived from the Hebrew Yohanan which means “graced by God or Yahweh is graceful.” Although it is a masculine name, it has its feminine counterpart such as Joan, Jane, Jeannette and Jacquiline. Its equivalent in Spanish is Juan. Other variants are Johannes, Johan, Jens, Jan, Jon, and Johnny.

Zechariah and Elizabeth have been blessed with a child even in their old age. The couple who had been the subject of ridicule for being infertile became the instrument for Yahweh to bring about the child who would be given the special mission to prepare the way of Jesus Christ, the savior of the world. Indeed, God is gracious. He works in mysterious ways. When everything seems to be hopeless, He will do something amazing.

*****

The story of John the Baptist’s birth is a beautiful testimony to God’s faithfulness and perfect timing. Elizabeth and Zechariah had waited many years for a child, enduring the pain of unfulfilled longing. Yet, God’s plan was not delayed; it was intentional. In the Gospel reading above, we witness the miraculous fulfillment of God’s promise to them, bringing joy not only to their family but to their entire community.

When Elizabeth gave birth to John, it was a moment of great rejoicing. The neighbors and relatives marveled at what God had done for her, declaring, “The Lord has shown her great mercy, and they shared her joy” (Luke 1:58). This scene reminds us that when God moves in our lives, His blessings ripple outward, inspiring others to glorify Him. Our testimonies can be a source of hope to those who are still waiting for their breakthrough.

An important lesson here is that God’s timing is perfect. Elizabeth and Zechariah had to wait until the appointed time for their son to be born. John wasn’t just any child. He was destined to prepare the way for the Messiah. The wait was not wasted; it was preparation for a purpose greater than they could imagine. In the same way, our seasons of waiting are not empty. God uses them to prepare us for the blessings and responsibilities that lie ahead.

Another striking moment in this passage is when Zechariah, who had been unable to speak, confirms the name “John” on a tablet. Immediately, his mouth is opened, and he begins to praise God. This act of obedience — choosing the name God had revealed — unlocked his ability to speak. Sometimes, our own breakthroughs come when we align our actions with God’s instructions. Trusting His word and walking in obedience can lead to unexpected miracles.

The name “John” means “God is gracious,” a fitting reminder of the grace woven throughout this story. Zechariah and Elizabeth’s story could have been defined by barrenness, silence, or despair, but God rewrote it with grace, joy, and purpose. Similarly, no matter what challenges we face, God’s grace is always at work, ready to transform our circumstances for His glory.

As the news of John’s birth spread, people were filled with awe, asking, “What then is this child going to be?” (Luke 1:66). This question reflects the mystery and wonder of God’s plans. John would grow to become the forerunner of Christ, fulfilling a role of eternal significance. Just as John’s life was marked by divine purpose, so too are our lives. God has a unique calling for each of us, one that contributes to His kingdom in ways we may not fully understand yet.

Let this passage remind us to trust in God’s perfect timing, rejoice in His faithfulness, and walk in obedience to His Word. When we do, we not only experience His blessings but also become part of His greater plan to bring light and hope to the world.

“The Lord is gracious, and His timing is perfect. Rejoice, for His plans are always good!”