“His Name is John.”
Dear Brothers and Sisters,
As we celebrate today the Solemnity of the Birthday of John the Baptist, let us do so by focusing on the naming of John as told by Luke. We are told that when Elizabeth, an old woman, gave birth to John, her neighbors and her relatives “shared her joy.” Then at his circumcision, his mother confidently stated that he is to be called John. This was not accepted by those present, so they asked his father what the name should be. Zechariah wrote, “His name is John.” This solidarity with his wife frees Zechariah from his dumbness and moves Zachariah and everyone to praise God.
Message for us? When family members confidently agree with one another and support each other great things happen. Here we have it, Elizabeth goes out of tradition and gives their son a name that does not have any reference to his Father's lineage. Her husband, recognizing that their son is their offspring, sides with his wife. As a result, the family is strengthened. We too, need to take this message seriously and recognize that after God, family comes first. The family that support each other, stays together.
Let us take the opportunity as well, to note that that family experience led Zachariah and all who heard of it to praise God. In other words, family togetherness, family support, family loyalty, family love can have far reaching positive effects on many.
“HIS NAME IS JOHN."
What is your name?
Clement Paul
Parish Priest
Dear Brothers and Sisters,
As we celebrate today the Solemnity of the Birthday of John the Baptist, let us do so by focusing on the naming of John as told by Luke. We are told that when Elizabeth, an old woman, gave birth to John, her neighbors and her relatives “shared her joy.” Then at his circumcision, his mother confidently stated that he is to be called John. This was not accepted by those present, so they asked his father what the name should be. Zechariah wrote, “His name is John.” This solidarity with his wife frees Zechariah from his dumbness and moves Zachariah and everyone to praise God.
Message for us? When family members confidently agree with one another and support each other great things happen. Here we have it, Elizabeth goes out of tradition and gives their son a name that does not have any reference to his Father's lineage. Her husband, recognizing that their son is their offspring, sides with his wife. As a result, the family is strengthened. We too, need to take this message seriously and recognize that after God, family comes first. The family that support each other, stays together.
Let us take the opportunity as well, to note that that family experience led Zachariah and all who heard of it to praise God. In other words, family togetherness, family support, family loyalty, family love can have far reaching positive effects on many.
“HIS NAME IS JOHN."
What is your name?
Clement Paul
Parish Priest
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