Luke ain’t shy about airing “dirty laundry!”
Practically everyone knows about “family tensions.” Sometimes it is like walking on “egg shells.” No one says a word. The “air is so thick” you could slice it with a butter knife. No one wants to be “the one” to “start” the “explosive event” that is – sure to come. Tension happens, so do family arguments or disagreements. Family feuds happen, as well. People take sides. It is or can be pretty uncomfortable stuff.”
Drama can be found in all kinds of places – including in our homes and within our own families.
Today’s gospel is about “one such family incident.”
One doesn’t necessarily expect such an occurrence in a “patriarchal age.” One would expect “a man’s word” to be final. “His word” would go “unquestioned.” But apparently, that was not always the case.
Even “holy people” apparently bicker and fight. Even “holy people” were subject to criticism and questioning. I tell you, the Bible has it all! It shy’s away from none of these events…and includes ‘em all.
Talk about your “holy people.” They are role models, to boot! “Zack and Beth” are John’s parent’s and they are considered by most to be “just” and “blameless folks.” They are devout Jews. [You know, the type] “they” follow all of the commandments and all of the regulations of the Lord. Talk about your “goody two shoes” – it is “them!”
This cute “old” couple is use to – not getting everything they want…out of life. They petition God and they petition God… and their prayers seemingly go unanswered. They are relentless, tho. They keep on praying…
These are good people. Righteous people. Jewish people. Zack is a priest serving in the Temple in Jerusalem. He has “the privileged task” of offering incense in the Holy Place… Beth “his bride,” is a descendent of Aaron, the first priest and brother of Moshe. They are beyond reproach.
They are priestly people. For all intents and purposes, they are holy people…good people…kind people…getting up there in years…and they would never hurt anyone…not even the proverbial fly.
Zechariah is the name of more than thirty people in the Bible, so it is kind of a common – biblical name. Zechariah means, “God remembers.”
And, just so you are aware, the name John means, “God shows favor” or “God has been gracious.”
All this hullabaloo – and drama – “over a simple name!”
In the culture of the Israelites, the name of a child was very significant. When Gabriel informed Zack that he and his bride would have a child in their “old age” the first thing he did was to instruct this priest as to what the child’s name would be. And it wasn’t going to be Zack! This child would be the “promised forerunner of the Messiah.” This was big stuff!!! Holy Stuff!
The naming of the son after his father implied that this child would “walk in the steps of his father.” He would carry on the father’s name. He would carry out his father’s work, as well. A “little Zack” would have been a priest serving in the Temple in Jerusalem. To be named by “any other name” would have implied the opposite.
It would have been an emotional issue…a family issue…and family business.
But on the day of his circumcision and naming – an unknown group of family and friends come for his B’rit Milah. They came to witness and take part in the covenant of circumcision. And they were intent on naming the child Zack, after his father.
Beth his mother brought the ceremony to a deadening stop, when she shouts out that his name is going to be John.
Usually the father would have named his son. The mother would not have had a voice or any say whatsoever. But “old Zack” (himself) was speechless.
The father was silent. The mother was demanding and loud. She was insistent. She was determined.
Everyone present would have been shocked by her inappropriate actions. She not he, was the outspoken spokesperson for their son.
His name was disputed! This never happened! Then Old Zack stepped in and cast the deciding vote.
Silence befell everyone! What was going on here? What had just happened and occurred? And then, just as mysteriously, Zack’s tongue was freed and he could once again speak.
The strange events surrounding this child were starting to pile up. Just what or whom would he become?
Tensions are sure to come – it is ok, you can get through them…