Today's liturgy celebrates John the Baptist's nativity. Biblical stories of birth are part of God's revelation. His birth is closely linked with the story of Jesus' conception and birth.

But there was more to his birth. Tradition has it that he was already in a relationship of expecting and recognising Jesus when Elizabeth felt his leap of joy within her womb in response to the presence of Jesus in Mary at her visitation. It was a joyous encounter. Seeing such a gift of life given to Zechariah and Elizabeth at their age, people around them began to ask in wonder, "What will this child turn out to be?"

Even before his conception, John's name was given by the angel who appeared to Zechariah. The name "John" means "Yahweh's gracious gift". His name speaks of his origin and of his vocation. He comes as a gift from God: his rigorous life and heroic witness redirect people to God.

Like John's, the unfolding of our life is in God's hands, with awe and wonder. God is at work in our life for God's own wonderful purposes. "The Lord called me before I was born, while I was in my mother's womb He named me." (Is 49: 1) "What will this child turn out to be?" Well, we now believe God is looking after that.