Reading and meditation on the Word of God on Tuesday, special day of Advent, December 23rd, 2025

Delivered by Father Peter Tukan, SDB from Salesian Don Bosco Gerak in the Diocese of Labuan Bajo, Indonesia. Malachi 3: 1-4; 4: 5-6; Rs psalm 25: 4bc-5ab.8-9.10.14; Luke 1: 57-66.THE MEANING OF THE BIRTH OF JOHN THEBAPTIST  Our meditation today is themed: TheMeaning of the Birth of John the Baptist. The story of the birth of John theBaptist in the Gospel of Luke brings us to an amazing event and full of faithinstruction. Those around Elizabeth thought that the child should have beennamed after his father or relative. Culture is the standard used for givingnames. It is a natural custom, a sign offamily continuity and tradition. But Elizabeth stood firm and said, "Hisname is John." Elizabeth had a stance that transcended culture andtradition. Faith in God is more important to her and her family. When Zechariahwrote the same thing on a tablet, it was revealed that what was happening wasnot just the choice of name, but obedience to God's will. Zechariah thenrecovered from his mute. The name “John” comes from the Hebrewword Johnan, which means "God is merciful" or "God pleases."With this name, God declared from the beginning that John's life was not hisown, nor was it merely a continuation of the human lineage, but a sign of God'slove and mercy for His people. John was born as a manifestation of God'smerciful intervention, especially for Elizabeth and Zechariah who had beenwaiting for a child for a long time. Elizabeth's and Zechariah's attitudesinvite us to ponder: do we dare to give up our personal habits, hopes, or plansin order to obey God's will? In this story, faith is not only expressed throughprayer, but through concrete obedience. To name the child John is to admit thatGod knows better, is more sovereign, and more merciful than human logic. John's own birth was a miracle. Butthe Gospels clearly show that this miracle is not the end goal. John was bornto prepare the way, open the hearts, and awaken the consciousness of the peopleto be ready to welcome God's greater work. John's life from the beginning hadbeen directed out of himself, toward the One who was to come after. This is where the meaning of faith forus as followers of Christ is deepened. We are invited to realize that our livesalso have a purpose beyond ourselves. Like John, we are called to be guides,witnesses of God's love, and openers of hearts to God's presence in the world.Living in faith means being willing to be a means, not a center. Ultimately, the miracle of John'sbirth prepares us to welcome a much greater miracle: the birth of Jesus Christ,the Savior. John reminds us that a merciful God faithfully keeps his promises. Let us pray. In the name of the Father ... O God ofall goodness and love, make us Your servants to proclaim the coming of JesusChrist to strengthen and free people from all obstacles that lead them astrayon the way to You. Our Father who art in heaven... In the name of the Father...