On this eighth day of our Novena, as we rejoice with Elizabeth and Zechariah over the birth of the baby John, we are invited to reflect on God’s faithfulness to His promises. God never lets anybody down. The whole history of salvation is a glorious record of the fulfillment of His promises.
The Lord’s faithfulness is also a reminder for us to finally become dependable people who keep their promises to God and people, no matter what the cost. John the Baptist was faithful to his calling and mission even at the cost of his life. So was Jesus. So should we be, if we want to deserve the title of “Disciples of the Lord,” the Faithful One. In this Eucharist, let us ask for all the people we love and ourselves the grace to be faithful to our baptismal promises.
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.
