Ut Queant Laxis Resonare Fibris!

Hey, Folks!

Today, the Church commemorates the nativity of Saint John the Baptist. Whereas the Gospel of Mark begins with Jesus' encounter with John at the Jordan, Luke begins with the saint's nativity. Aside from the factoids regarding John's parents, it is quite interesting that the evangelist would even include a narrative concerning his birth. Some say it was intentional, as Jesus' birth story is told thereafter. Both narratives set up a comparison between the prophets John and Jesus. In the process, they also serve to explain their relationship, in accordance with the beliefs of the Lukan community (of course).

Luke also makes use of a good old Jewish motif, often used in the Hebrew Bible: God-fearing man and woman, unable to have children, give birth to a miracle-baby, whose life is then dedicated to the service of God. One thing is for sure: John was famous enough to have a birth story written in honour of him. As legend would have it...

In the days of King Herod of Judea, there was a priest named Zechariah, who belonged to the priestly order of Abijah. His wife was a descendant of Aaron, and her name was Elizabeth. Both of them were righteous before God, living blamelessly according to all the commandments and regulations of the Lord. But they had no children, because Elizabeth was barren, and both were getting on in years. Once when he was serving as priest before God and his section was on duty, he was chosen by lot, according to the custom of the priesthood, to enter the sanctuary of the Lord and offer incense.

Now at the time of the incense offering, the whole assembly of the people was praying outside. Then there appeared to him an angel of the Lord, standing at the right side of the altar of incense. When Zechariah saw him, he was terrified; and fear overwhelmed him. But the angel said to him, "Do not be afraid, Zechariah, for your prayer has been heard. Your wife Elizabeth will bear you a son, and you will name him John. You will have joy and gladness, and many will rejoice at his birth, for he will be great in the sight of the Lord. He must never drink wine or strong drink; even before his birth he will be filled with the Holy Spirit. He will turn many of the people of Israel to the Lord their God. With the spirit and power of Elijah he will go before him, to turn the hearts of parents to their children, and the disobedient to the wisdom of the righteous, to make ready a people prepared for the Lord." (Gospel of Luke, 1:5-17)

Happy holiday!

Camardicus