John's Christening and the Name from the Relatives

GOSPEL THOUGHTS

*Advent Season:  Fourth Week : Tuesday* 

*Gospel :  Luke 1:57-66*

*First Reading : Malachi 3:1-6*

*Responsorial Psalm : 25:4_14*

*John's Christening and the Name from the Relatives*  

*1) Why was this procedure followed? (Circumcision and naming)*

In Jewish tradition at the time:

Circumcision happened on the 8th day after birth (based on Genesis 17).

The child was officially named at circumcision, not at birth.

Family and neighbors were present because naming was a community event, not just a private family decision.

So John’s “christening” (better called circumcision, not baptism) follows long-standing Jewish law and custom.

*2) Why name a child after relatives?*

Naming a child after a relative—especially the father or grandfather—was very common, though not an absolute rule. Reasons included:

*A) Continuity of family identity* : Names preserved the family line, history, and honor.

Naming a son after his father symbolized inheritance, memory, and belonging.

*B) Respect and honor* : Giving a child a relative’s name showed respect for ancestors, especially in a culture that valued elders deeply.

*C) Social stability* : Shared family names helped identify lineage, tribe, and inheritance rights, which mattered greatly in Jewish society.

So when the relatives said, “None of your relatives has this name,” they were reacting from normal cultural expectations, not stubbornness.

*3) Was it impossible to give a different name?* 

No—it was absolutely possible. There was no law that required a child to be named after a relative.

Examples in the Bible show this clearly:

Isaac was not named after Abraham

Samuel was not named after Elkanah

Jesus was not named after Joseph

However, going against family naming customs was unusual, and doing so publicly required confidence and authority.

*4) Why did Zechariah and Elizabeth insist on “John”?*

Because the name came from God, not family tradition.

The angel had told Zechariah to name the child John, meaning “The Lord is gracious.”

By obeying God instead of social pressure, the parents showed faith over tradition.

When Zechariah writes “His name is John,” his speech is restored—showing God’s approval.

This moment signals that something new is beginning in God’s plan.

*5) Spiritual Reflections* 

*A) God is not bound by tradition* : Traditions are valuable, but they must never override God’s will.

John’s naming shows that divine purpose comes before human expectations.

*B) Identity comes from God* : John’s name reflects his mission, not his ancestry. Likewise, a person’s true identity is not only inherited—it is called by God.

*C) Courage to be different* : Elizabeth and Zechariah faced social pressure but chose obedience. Faith sometimes means standing apart, even from well-meaning relatives.

*C) A new era is beginning* : Breaking with naming custom symbolizes that John will usher in a new chapter—preparing the way for the Messiah.

*Think about it*

*God bless you and your family. Praying for you and your dear ones*

*Fr Maxim DSouza*

*Jeppu Seminary*

*Mangalore*