The Birth of John the Baptist
“And you, child, will be called the prophet of the Most High;
for you will go before the Lord to prepare his ways.” Luke 1:76
Today is the Fourth Sunday of the Blessed month of Koiahk and today’s Gospel reading is from Luke 1:57-80. In this passage, we witness the birth of St. John the Baptist, the restoration of Zechariah’s speech, and we read his beautiful prophecy. Through this prophecy, Zechariah reveals the divine mission of his son and the coming salvation through the Messiah.
To understand the significance of Zechariah’s prophecy, it is important first to recall why he was silenced. Going back to the first week of Koiahk, the Archangel Gabriel said in (v. 13) that the prayers of Zechariah were heard. However, later in the chapter the Archangel Gabriel says, “And behold, you will be silent and unable to speak until the day that these things take place, because you did not believe my words, which will be fulfilled in their time.” (Luke 1:20). Only after he showed doubt (a lack of faith) was Zechariah silenced.
Zechariah was only unmuted after St. John the Baptist was born. Zechariah was punished for his lack of faith, but when he realized God’s glory, the Lord surprisingly gave Zechariah the gift of speech so he can tell others about the glory of God. St. Ambrose of Milan says, “See how good God is, quick to forgive sins: not only does He return what He has withdrawn, but He still bestows what we did not expect. This man, who has been silent for a long time, prophesies: for it is the height of God’s grace that those who had denied Him pay homage to Him.”
For us as Christians, this Gospel offers a profound lesson. God is merciful even when our faith falters. When we return to Him in obedience and humility, He not only restores us but entrusts us with the task of bearing witness to His glory. Like Zechariah, may our lives, once silent or hesitant, become instruments that proclaim God’s mercy, faithfulness, and saving work.
May we draw closer to Him, behold His glory, and faithfully share our testimonies with the world.
Sources:
- Bible, English Standard Version
- Catena Bible Commentaries
- Ambrose on Luke 1 – Patristic Bible Commentary (google.com)