12-23-2014 Tuesday of the Fourth Week of Advent Gospel Lk 1:57-66

Link to today’s readings: http://usccb.org/bible/readings/122314.cfm

 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.” 

When all that had been promised by the angel was fulfilled, Zechariah acknowledged it and his voice was once again heard. When we hear God’s promises, we must believe and we must give thanks. 

Prayer: Heavenly Father, thank you for the gift of your word and your Son. May I always remember to give back praise for all your generous gifts. In Jesus’ holy name, amen. 

Lift up your heads and see; your redemption is near at hand.