FEAST DAY  OF St. John the Baptist

***FEAST DAY  OF St. John the Baptist*** The feast of the birth of St. John the Baptist holds a special significance for many of us. Colourful festivities and meaningful rituals attached to this solemn feast are very endearing for the Christians influenced by Portuguese traditions. St. John the Baptist is called São Joãn. The scene at the time of the birth and naming of this great Saint mentioned in today's Gospel and the general mood at the celebration of the feast day are somewhat similar. The first emotion that we read in today's Gospel is rejoicing. Not only the old parents of John, but the neighbours and relatives rejoice at his birth. At the time of his naming, something spectacular happens. Zechariah who was dumb for nine months begins praising God and the people are filled with awe and wonder. We are familiar with the emotion of joy which is quite secular in nature. However, in the religious festivities, there is something more than secular joy; there is awe and wonder, witnessing and participating in the Lord (yo)'s grace (han). Today as we celebrate the feast of St. John the Baptist, let us not only experience joy, but also awe and wonder coming from the Lord's grace!