Santhiya Philomone csc –
Readings: Is 49:1-6; Acts 13:22-26; Lk 1:57-66, 80
We celebrate the Feast of the birth of John, the Baptist. John the Baptist was the precursor of the Messiah. It was he who prepared the people of Israel to receive their long-awaited Messiah by preaching repentance of mind and heart.
The “Servant” messianic prophecy of Isaiah is given as the first reading. It says that John the Baptist is a great prophet to God’s people and a light to the nations. He was named and sanctified from his mother’s womb by God.
The second reading describes the mission of John the Baptist. It tells us how John, in all humility, publicly acknowledged his role as the Messiah’s only herald. His role was to prepare Israel to receive the Messiah by inviting people to receive the baptism of repentance.
The name John means “God is gracious.” The birth of John brings immense joy because for God everything is possible. The unexpected has happened. We celebrate the birth of a promised child that was a profound and marvellous work of God.
Elizabeth experienced great miracle by the grace of God: what about us and our God-given life? We must remember that God can do wonders in our life too; hence what he wants from us is to trust him completely and offer our life into his hands.