THE GOSPEL OF LUKE
The Birth and Naming of John: Lk 1,57-80
The birth of John is described with only two verses, 1,57-58, whereas twenty verses describe the birth of Jesus (2,1-20). God's mercy (1,58) is stressed in both the Magnificat and the Benedictus.
In contrast, the circumcision and naming of John becomes quite a saga compared to just one verse for that of Jesus (2,21). Zechariah is still deaf mute but he agrees with Elizabeth and his tongue is opened. His first words are to bless God, though the actual canticle, the Benedictus, follows a few verses later.
The fear of the neighbours is a sign of awe in the presence of God. The hand of the Lord in verse 66 is an indication of God's power and guidance.
Verse 67 may introduce the Benedictus but it is also a response to the reaction of the neighbours. Zechariah like his wife Elizabeth is filled with the Holy Spirit. Whilst Elizabeth proclaims Mary and her child as blessed (1,42), Zechariah now blesses God directly. As a prophesy, this is a statement of God's truth, about how God's plan is unfolding before their eyes.
Following the Benedictus, Luke in verse 80 gets John off-stage until his adult ministry begins in chapter 3. He is out in the desert from where he will appear in due course (3,2). The desert is the place of testing, as will happen with Jesus (4,1-2).
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