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Gospel Reading for June 24, 2026 – Luke 1: 57-66, 80
FEAR OF THE LORD
Solemnity of the Nativity of Saint John the Baptist
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.
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The name John is the English form of the Hebrew name Yohanan, which means “God is gracious.” Indeed, God was gracious to Elizabeth, who, though barren and advanced in years, gave birth to a son—John the Baptist, whose nativity we celebrate today. Yet this event is not only about God’s graciousness; it is also a powerful reminder that nothing is impossible with God.
When Zechariah’s tongue was freed after he wrote that the child should be named “John,” fear came upon those who witnessed it. Why fear? This was not fear of punishment, but what Scripture often calls the FEAR OF THE LORD —one of the seven gifts of the Holy Spirit. It is a profound sense of reverence, awe, and respect for God and his mighty works. The people had witnessed a series of extraordinary events: Elizabeth had conceived and given birth in her old age; Zechariah had been struck mute after doubting the angel’s message; and his speech was restored the moment he affirmed God’s will by naming the child John. Through these signs, they came to realize that God was at work in a remarkable way and that John would not be an ordinary child. The hand of the Lord was clearly upon him.
When John eventually emerged from the desert to begin his ministry, he came with extraordinary conviction and purpose. Years of prayer, solitude, and preparation had formed him into a powerful preacher of repentance. His message was so compelling that great crowds came to hear him, and many became his followers. Yet despite his influence and popularity, John never lost sight of his mission. He knew that he had been sent only to prepare the way for the Messiah. Thus, when Jesus appeared, John humbly declared, “He must increase; I must decrease.”
What a beautiful lesson for us. Like John the Baptist, we are called not to draw attention to ourselves but to lead others to Christ. The true measure of our discipleship is not how many people notice us, but how many are brought closer to Jesus through our words and actions.
Lord Jesus, may our lives remain firmly focused on you, so that everything we say and do may lead others closer to your loving presence.
