Daily Scripture Reflection & Prayer: June 24, 2024

Date: Solemnity of Nativity of St. John the Baptist/Monday of 12th Week Ordinary Time

Scripture Text:  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.

Breaking the text open – background and summary:

The gospel for today recounts Elizabeth’s and Zechariah’s naming of John as recounted in the Gospel of Luke. John’s name was given to Zechariah at the time of Gabriel’s visit announcing that John would be conceived and born to the childless and aging couple. Zechariah’s doubt led to his inability to speak throughout Elizabeth’s pregnancy. His carrying through on Gabriel’s instructions brought his muteness to an end. The name John means “The LORD is gracious.”

Meditating on the text with personal questions:

Do I trust the LORD? Do I trust the Spirit’s guidance?

Praying:

LORD, Almighty Father, throughout the ages your power and presence have been witnessed and felt. As followers of your beloved Son, Jesus Christ, we remember how You sent Gabriel to announce to Zechariah that he and Elizabeth would bear a son even though they were beyond childbearing years. And what You promised, came to be. Throughout the ages, we have come to know that You are trustworthy. Send your Spirit to guide us in our journey of life so that we might be always open to your power and presence, manifestations of your love for us. We ask this in the name of your Son, Jesus Christ, who lives and reigns with You and the Spirit, one LORD, forever and ever. Amen.