Luke 1:57-66 “Now the time came for Elizabeth to give birth, and she bore a son. Her neighbors and relatives heard that the Lord had shown his great mercy to her, and they rejoiced with her. On the eighth day they came to circumcise the child, and they were going to name him Zechariah after his father. But his mother said, “No, he is to be called John.” They said to her, “None of your relatives has this name.” Then they began motioning to his father to find out what name he wanted to give him. He asked for a writing tablet and wrote, “His name is John.” And all of them were amazed. Immediately his mouth was opened and his tongue freed, and he began to speak, praising God. Fear came over all their neighbors, and all these things were talked about throughout the entire hill country of Judea. All who had heard them pondered them and said, “What then will this child become?” For, indeed, the hand of the Lord was with him.”
As I feed my son, I look out upon the same hills I’ve gazed at for the last nine months. Nothing outside seems to have changed, but within these walls, life is forever altered. This is no longer the home of an old couple past their prime. It is now a home bustling with energy and excitement, filled with late night cries, laughter and chatter from neighbors and family, and joy beyond expectation.
I could not have done any of this without Mary. Lord, thank You for bringing her to me. When John was born, that long night of pain and waiting would have been so much harder without her. Her presence was calming. Her care was gentle. And her strength was exactly what I needed in the midst of it all. I was able to rest in her arms as I endured the suffering that brought forth our new life.
It has been eight days and they have all come for his circumcision today. Zechariah is still not speaking, yet he is such a different man. We both believed his voice might return after John was born, but it hasn’t. Yet, he is at peace. His joy over how You have fulfilled Your promises shines through his eyes when he looks at us. O God, what have you done in his heart over these months of quiet reflection? What faith have You grown in both of us.
They call me to bring the child, who has just finished nursing. The ancient ceremony begins, and my husband takes John from my arms and carries him forward. I hear them call the baby Zechariah. “No, he is to be called John.” They look at me in surprise as the words come forth from my lips. “None of your relatives has this name.”, one of the old men says, as if that is the only way we could use the name! I’m thinking, this is not up to you, or even us. He has been chosen and called by God. John is to be his name. My eyes turn to Zechariah, pleading for his help. They turn to him as well, and he gestures for the writing tablet on the table. “His name is John.”
As his words are read aloud, the gasp throughout the room is audible. But before anyone can argue, I hear a sound that I’ve missed for months. The strong clear voice of the man I love fills our home with praise of You, my Lord. I begin to cry tears of joy. This home is now filled with Your presence and power. I feel Mary’s arms encircling my waist in a hug. I glance over at her beautiful young face, and I can see my own joy mirrored there. We share a moment, a smile, and some quiet whispers as the room erupts in surprised laughter at the sound of Zechariah’s reclaimed voice. He glances over at the two of us and we know. Together at this moment, the three of us hold our secrets quietly in our hearts.
Reflection Questions: Elizabeth has gone through the last three months with Mary at her side. What do you think that must have been like? How does the thought of having our Blessed Mother in your home, helping you and caring for you when you need her make you feel? She is ready to walk with you, just as any loving mother would. Take some time today to invite her in and ask her to be a part of your daily life. She is waiting with that hug. She is looking at you with love.
Prayer: Lord Jesus, you gave us your mother to be our mother too. Help me to love her as you do. Help me to see the value in asking the one closest to you, to lead me closer to you. Amen.