Holy Gospel of Jesus Christ according to Saint Luke 1, 57-66, 80
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.
The child grew and became strong in spirit,
and he was in the desert until the day
of his manifestation to Israel.
“What will this child be?”
1. Elizabeth. Elizabeth’s story is a tough one; she was viewed as cursed for not having children, which was considered a disgrace. She faced judgment and scrutiny from others, feeling trapped by fear and shame because she felt people stared at her and seemed to examine her down to her very soul. How many times have you felt this way or still feel consumed by fear and shame because you think you’ve failed or that things didn’t go the way you imagined? Despite her advanced age, Elizabeth became pregnant, demonstrating that nothing is impossible for God. Remind yourself throughout the day: “nothing is impossible for God.” So, stand tall and keep going. You can overcome; God can do great things.
2. Zechariah. He’s the figure of a man deeply involved in religion, a priest, but who struggles with doubt in his faith. Despite witnessing God’s works and miracles, he doesn’t fully understand God’s plan. How many people are there who are religious, who attend Mass every day, who pray every day, but face similar doubts and fears that make them suffer? How many Zechariahs are around you, still struggling with doubt despite experiencing God’s miracles?
3. John the Baptist. This story shows us that for those with faith, life isn’t always as simple as 2+2=4. Faith doesn’t follow formulas or logic. It’s about living daily, with the belief that God works wonders in your life, making you an instrument, allowing others to see His existence and give glory to Him. How beautiful it is when people come to know you and, through you, they can see that God exists.
Never forget that something good is on the way.
God bless you and be with you in the name of the Father, of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.
