Saturday of the Third Week of Advent
Today’s Reflection
Gospel: Lk 1: 57-66
December 23, 2023 | Saturday
When the time came for Elizabeth,she gave birth to a son. Her neighbors and relatives heard that the merciful Lord had done a wonderful thing for her, and they rejoiced with her.
When, on the eighth day, they came to attend the circumcision of the child, they wanted to name him nZechariah after his father. But his mother said, “Not so; he shall be called John.” They said to her, “But no one in your family has that name!”and they made signs to his father for the name he wanted to give him. Zechariah asked for a writing tablet,and wrote on it, “His name is John;”and they were very surprised. Immediately Zechariah could speak again,and his first words were in praise of God.
A holy fear came on all in the neighborhood, and throughout the hill country of Judea the people talked about these events. All who heard of it, pondered in their minds, and wondered,“What will this child be?” For they understood that the hand of the Lord was with him.
Today’s Reflection:.
“Her neighbors and relatives heard that the merciful Lord had done a wonderful thing for her, and they rejoiced with her.” The reputation of the spouses Zechariah and Elizabeth are well-known. They are upright in the observance of the law but remained childless. When finally, God blessed them with an offspring of their own, their neighbors rejoiced with them. They joined in praising God for looking down with mercy on the old man and woman who are now parents to the young John the Baptist. God has lifted their shame and after years of barrenness, blessed them with a child. Indeed, as the name of the future precursor suggests, God is gracious. Today, reflect on how God has been gracious to you, your family, and to your loved ones.. / Vulnerasti, 2023
