Obedience Through Faith

I can't believe Christmas is 2 days away! Have you prepared your heart to welcome Jesus into the world? Have you prepared your heart so He has a place to dwell? It's not too late! Start by READING and/or LISTENING to our Mass readings today!

Today's Gospel (Luke 1:57-66) is about the birth of John. When a baby is born, they must be named, right? Isn't it fun having everyone give their opinions on what you should name your child? I doubt it! I don't have children of my own, but I have seen this far too often, shoot, I have done it! I have given my opinions when asked and even when I haven't been asked about what someone should name their child.

John wasn't just any child and couldn't have just any name! The people in the town knew that His birth was something special. They knew that Elizabeth had been barren and that Zachariah hadn't spoken since he had been visited by the angel.

"But when he came out, he was unable to speak to them, and they realized that he had seen a vision in the sanctuary." Luke 1:22 (NABRE).

There was no doubt in the minds of Elizabeth and Zachariah that their son would be named John! They were told to name Him John and they would not waiver, regardless of what anyone said. When the people looked to Zachariah for his opinion on the name, he wrote on a tablet "John is his name."

At this act, he regained his ability to speak and spoke of the blessings of God!

The people knew that they had witnessed something incredible. They knew they had witnessed God in action and that His hand was all over this birth and this family.

When we are faithful, God will fill us with His Spirit. When we are obedient, miraculous things can happen. This story is faith in action. This story shows a faithful family given a miraculous gift from God and their obedience to do what God instructs them to with that Gift! They didn't say, "thanks God, but we are going to name Him what we want." They didn't say "thanks God, but we waited so long for a son, you understand, right? We want to keep Him a little longer before we give Him to you and your work."

They were thankful and through their faith they were obedient.

When we are moved by God, are faithful to and obedient to Him, we become filled with His Spirit! Allow His Spirit to move in and through you! Don't try to do things your own way, His ways are ALWAYS better.