Sharing of life: Share what you are most and lest grateful for this week.

Facilitator reads focus statement: The Church only celebrates three births: Jesus, Mary and John’s. All other feast days are fixed on the day of a saint’s death – his/her birthday in heaven. Tradition believes that John was born like Mary free from original sin. Recall how John leaped with joy when he encountered Jesus in her womb (Luke 1:41). This belief is not a dogma of the Church. John will always be special in our Church family because he is the one who prepared the people for Jesus.

If you haven’t read the commentary on the readings, consider reading before or after each reading.

FIRST READING: Isaiah 49:1-6

In the book of Isaiah, there are four "Suffering Servant Songs, passages that refer to a mysterious person. In the early Church, the servant was often identified with Jesus. For this feast, we can identify this servant-person with John the Baptist who is also a very special servant of God.

Like John the Baptist, this servant was called from the moment of his conception. The servant is set aside to carry out a special mission. He is endowed with an eloquence as piercing as a sharp-edged sword or a polished arrow. His being "concealed in the shadow of God’s arm" may indicate divine protection.

The servant shares his soul with us when he ways that he believes he has "toiled in vain." But God reassures him that his "reward or recompense is with God." With a deep sense that God is him strength, the servant believes that he will be used to restore Israel and bring light to the nations.

RESPONSORIAL PSALM 139

These verses are a beautiful reflection on God as always being with us from the moment he knit us in our mother’s womb.

SECOND READING: Acts 13:22-26

This reading is a part of a larger speech in which Paul emphasizes the various activities God undertook for Israel. The activity of Jesus is, of course, central to God’s entire saving plan.

In these verses, Paul indicates how special David was to God. "He was a man after God’s own heart." Jesus, a descendent of David, was heralded by John the Baptist who preached a "baptism of repentance." But John was only the precursor of Jesus. He was not even worthy to untie Jesus’ sandal straps. Paul concludes by saying that his message of salvation was meant for us.

GOSPEL: Luke 1:57-66, 80

The birth of John was seen as an act of mercy on the part of God since Elizabeth had been barren and barrenness was considered a curse. The response to God’s mercy is rejoicing on the part of the people, a favorite theme in Luke. As faithful Jews, the parents have John circumcised. Then he is named - an event that causes wonder, since everyone anticipates that the child would be called Zechariah, after his father. But both parents insist that the name by John. When Zechariah writes on the tablet that the child will be named John, his ability to speak is restored. He has now fulfilled the angel’s command to call the infant, John, a name which means "God has shown favor."

FAITH SHARING QUESTIONS

1. What verse spoke to you and why?

2. Have you ever thought that you "toiled in vain" with your children or with other projects? What helped you to get through such times?

3. What do you make of the fact that David, an adulterer and murderer, is called a "man after God’s own heart?" What might this say to us about God?

4. Share some of the circumstances of your birth, e.g., was it a tough pregnancy for your mother, where were you born, your first and last name etc.

RESPONDING TO THE WORD

What is one way to act on today’s readings? Be more aware of how special you are in God’s eyes and how he has called you to be his servant.

CONCLUDE WITH PRAYERS OF PETITION AND INTERCESSION

Pray that all those who are pregnant will deliver a healthy child. Pray for all considering an abortion at this time will choose life.