Homily for the Solemnity of the Nativity of Saint John the Baptist

Names play an essential role in our lives here on earth. Our name gives us an identity; it tells us and others who we are. The name that our parents gave us may have a special meaning. It may be a name that is traditional in our family. We may also be named after someone in our family or a close friend. Or our parents chose our name because of its meaning. No matter the reason, our parents give us our names and are excited at the birth of a child, and there is a sense of joy and anticipation when the child's name is announced.

Elizabeth's joy at the birth of John the Baptist was not just the joy of a new mother but a joy transcending the ordinary. It was a joy born out of a lifetime of barrenness and the advanced age of both Elizabeth and Zechariah. This birth was a miracle, a testament to the power of faith and the divine plan.

As was the tradition, on the 8th day, John was circumcised and given his name. People gathered in joy and anticipation to hear his name; they assumed he would be named Zechariah after his father. This would have brought great joy to the family. However, Elizabeth said that his name would instead be John. This brought confusion since no one in their family was named John. When they asked Zechariah, he wrote on the tablet, "John is his name." His response brought even more confusion, but Elizabeth and Zechariah knew they could not have chosen another name because God chose the name John.

When John's name is proclaimed, Zechariah's tongue is freed, and he can speak. He immediately blesses and praises God for the gift of his son and his speech. They gave the power of the name that God gave them to John. Its power freed the tongue of Zechariah and would foretell the coming of the Messiah. 

Lord, help us recognize the power of our own names, help us pray, and help us preach the Good News of the Messiah, Jesus, in all that we do, just like John.