A reading from the holy Gospel according to Luke
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.
Today’s Gospel reading takes place after the archangel Gabriel visited Zechariah and told him that his elderly wife Elizabeth would conceive a son and that they should name him John. Zechariah questioned Gabriel, and the angel told him that he would be unable to speak until the child was born. At John’s circumcision, Elizabeth and Zechariah name him John to the amazement of their relatives and neighbors. Luke shows us that God is always faithful to his promises, even when we cannot see how they will be fulfilled.
God, help me hear and respond to your will today just as you were present to John who “grew and became strong in spirit.” A combination of fear and stubbornness often drives me throughout the day to overlook your presence. Help me carry on the work of John, who turned the hearts of the people of Israel to your Son. I want to understand my purpose on this earth in doing your will today and every day. Lord, as the day quickly runs its course, let me know the peace of your presence in every moment.
Be with me, Lord. From the responsorial psalm, “O LORD, you have probed me, you know me: you know when I sit and when I stand; you understand my thoughts from afar. My journeys and my rest you scrutinize, with all my ways you are familiar.” Saint John the Baptist, pray for us!
Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, as it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.