In June, we celebrated the Solemnity of the Nativity of St. John the Baptist. The Church's liturgy pays special attention to John the Baptist, celebrating his birthday. John's singular mission was to announce the coming of the Messiah - the Saviour of the world! He was the first to recognise His presence. In fact, he recognised Jesus already in his mother's womb, when he leapt for joy. What a beautiful mystery! Then he recognised Him in the midst of the Israelite crowd, proclaiming: "Behold Him, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world."

 

The prophet's relatives argued over what name they should give the child, finally asking his father what name he would like to give his son. Zechariah wrote on the tablet: "John is his name." It was as if he was saying: it really doesn't matter what I want him to be called; God named him John, so John he is. 

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The name indicates identity and mission. It comes from God. The name of our community is John! It is the English form of Iohannes, the Latin form of the Greek name Ioannes, derived from the Hebrew Yochanan, meaning "Yahweh is gracious” or “Yahweh is favourable.” What a great name we have! When we accept that God is gracious and favourable, everything changes. We begin to walk with a God who loves and reassures us, with a trust that becomes a source of constant encouragement and strength.

 

When faced with difficult circumstances, including challenges in and around the Church, we can fall into the temptation of discouragement and indifference. But in such circumstances, we can also choose to rediscover our identity, its prophetic meaning and purpose. John the Baptist lived in times of religious confusion and political oppression but he knew who he was – Yochanan – God is gracious and favourable; God will not disappoint us. The mission will be fulfilled. Accept the identity that God gives you. He is favourable to you, He encourages you, builds you up, approves of you and walks with you always! Take courage, Yochanan!