The Nativity of St. John the Baptist
Eucharistic Gospel Reading for the Nativity of St John the Baptist
Luke 1:57 to 80
“He asked for a writing tablet and wrote, “His name is John.” And all of them were amazed.” (Luke 1: 63)
I too am amazed. Zechariah, the father of John the Baptist was made to be silent during the pregnancy of Elizabeth the mother of John because of his doubting the message of the angel who told of this birth. But now, when asked, he asks for something to write with in order to proclaim the truth; “His name is John.”
My amazement comes from his language. His name is John, not, will be John. John the Baptist was John before he was born. And so are we today. We should realize that God knew us and loved us before we were born. And like John the Baptist, we too should follow God’s lead in our lives not necessarily following what John did, but rather, his example of doing what God wants us to do. Perhaps some wilderness time to ponder might be a good way to start.
Please keep up your thoughts and prayers and hopes for Ukraine and Russia, Israel and Palestine, and our schools including St. Augustine in Raleigh, North Carolina.
As we listen to what the Spirit of God is saying to us, let us live to love and serve, and to teach others to love and serve, while pondering anew what the Almighty can do. John
Let us pray:
“Almighty God, by whose providence your servant John the Baptist was wonderfully born, and sent to prepare the way of your Son our Savior by preaching repentance: Make us so to follow his teaching and holy life, that we may truly repent according to his preaching; and, following his example, constantly speak the truth, boldly rebuke vice, and patiently suffer for the truth’s sake; through Jesus Christ your Son our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen. (BCP 241)
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