Luke 1:60
But his mother said in reply, "No. He will be called John."
In Luke's Gospel today, we hear of Elizabeth and Zechariah naming their son, John. Why is this so important, that Elizabeth had said "He will be called John", rather than being named after the father, Zechariah, as the custom was at that time? This is so important because they named their son John, not because of their own will, but of God's will. Because of this, her neighbors and relatives were surprised and did not accept it. They did not know what would become of this child. Through this rejection we can see, how God giving John his name, that God had special plans for him.
John is of course not the only one that was given a name. You have been given a name as well, and a special one: "Christian." God has claimed you for His own and desires to give you many blessings as His child. If God has named you, you have been made into a member of His holy family. With this, you have a daily choice to make on whether or not to accept this name. As we wait upon the birth of Jesus, let us ponder on our name the Lord has given us.
Get to know our seminarians! Today's reflection was written by:
Andrew Zsebedics, Sophomore
Home parish: St. Lawrence
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