The birth of John makes a reality what the angel of God had announced. The first fruit of His birth is Joy. John, fruit of a miracle, does not belong to us humans: his destiny is not in the hands of his family. It has been determined by God.

God has given him a name, which determines his destiny. John breaks the continuity: He will not be called Zechariah; his name will be John, meaning, "God has been pleased".

Elizabeth, like Hannah, the mother of Samuel, knows well that her son does not belong to her. Her child has been destined even before birth: His destiny is to be "the voice". Zechariah also accepts the destiny of his son and so "his mouth is opened and his tongue freed to speak praising God". God has been present and the reputation is spread throughout the entire hill country of Judea. Can we not say that all of us are "gifts" of God to our parents?

Today, we are invited to celebrate with gratitude the gift of Christian vocation, the chance given to each person to take part in the plan of God to draw humanity back to Him.