MONTHLY DEVOTIONAL FOR 24 JUNE
June 24, 2025
FEAST OF SAINT WILLIAM OF MONTEVERGINE – 25th JUNE
June 25, 2025
TODAY’S GOSPEL READING
24 JUNE, 2025
Luke 1:57-66, 80
When the time arrived for Elizabeth to have her child she gave birth to a son. Her neighbors and relatives heard that the Lord had shown his great mercy toward her, and they rejoiced with her.
When they came on the eighth day to circumcise the child, they were going to call him Zechariah after his father, but his mother said in reply, “No. He will be called John.” But they answered her, “There is no one among your relatives who has this name.”
So they made signs, asking his father what he wished him to be called. He asked for a tablet and wrote, “John is his name,” and all were amazed. Immediately his mouth was opened, his tongue freed, and he spoke blessing God. Then fear came upon all their neighbors, and all these matters were discussed throughout the hill country of Judea.
All who heard these things took them to heart, saying, “What, then, will this child be?” For surely the hand of the Lord was with him. The child grew and became strong in spirit, and he was in the desert until the day of his manifestation to Israel.
THE GOSPEL OF THE LORD!
REFLECTION
The birth of John the Baptist is a moment of divine fulfillment and unexpected grace. When Elizabeth gives birth in her old age, it evokes awe among her neighbors, but even more striking is the naming of the child. Defying tradition, Zechariah affirms the name “John” — a name given by God, not by man. The loosening of Zechariah’s tongue upon his obedience marks a spiritual breakthrough: silence turned into praise. God’s hand is clearly upon John, and the people sense that this child’s destiny is extraordinary. Verse 80 quietly but powerfully sums up John’s formation — he grows strong in spirit in the wilderness, preparing in hiddenness for a holy mission. This passage teaches us that God’s plans unfold in His time and often in unexpected ways, calling for faith, obedience, and readiness to be shaped in quiet seasons.
PRAYER
Heavenly Father, We praise You for Your faithfulness in fulfilling every promise. As You worked wonders through Elizabeth and Zechariah, we are reminded that nothing is too difficult for You. Help us to obey Your voice, even when it challenges tradition or expectation. May we be willing to be silent when needed and speak when You prompt us. Teach us to trust Your timing and Your shaping, even in hidden places. Like John, may we grow strong in spirit and live lives that prepare the way for Your Kingdom. In Jesus’ Name we pray, Amen
