Christian Art | Saint Elizabeth | A Child Is Given In Old Age | Miracles Of God
Gospel Of Saint Luke | Chapter 1, Verses 39-80 | Saint Elizabeth | Birth Of Saint John The Baptist | KJV | King James Version | Audio Bible
Elizabeth is introduced in Luke 1:5 as a woman ‘of the daughters of Aaron,’ indicating her priestly lineage, which complements her husband Zachariah’s role as a priest ‘of the course of Abia’ (Luke 1:5). Both Elizabeth and Zachariah are described as ‘righteous before God, walking in all the commandments and ordinances of the Lord blameless’ (Luke 1:6). This emphasizes their piety and faithfulness to God’s law. Despite their righteousness, the couple is childless because Elizabeth is barren, and both are advanced in age (Luke 1:7).
Angelic Announcement
While Zachariah is serving in the temple, an angel of the Lord, identified as Gabriel, appears to him and announces that Elizabeth will bear a son. This child is to be named John, and the angel foretells that he ‘shall be great in the sight of the Lord’ and will be filled with the Holy Spirit from his mother’s womb (Luke 1:13-15). The angel further explains that John will ‘turn many of the children of Israel to the Lord their God’ and will go before the Lord ‘in the spirit and power of Elias’ (Elijah), to prepare the people for the coming of the Lord (Luke 1:16-17).
Zachariah, doubting the angel’s message due to the couple’s old age, asks for a sign. In response, Gabriel strikes him mute until the prophecy is fulfilled (Luke 1:18-20). After Zachariah completes his temple duties, he returns home, and Elizabeth conceives, just as the angel had foretold (Luke 1:23-24).
Elizabeth’s Reaction To Her Pregnancy
Elizabeth’s pregnancy is viewed as a direct intervention by God. She expresses her gratitude and relief in Luke 1:25, saying, ‘Thus hath the Lord dealt with me in the days wherein he looked on me, to take away my reproach among men.’ This reference to her ‘reproach’ highlights the cultural significance of childlessness, which in her time was often seen as a cause for shame. Elizabeth recognizes her pregnancy as a blessing from God, who has taken away this stigma.
Visitation By Mary
In the sixth month of Elizabeth’s pregnancy, her cousin Mary, who has also received a miraculous message from the angel Gabriel regarding her own pregnancy, visits her (Luke 1:36, 39). When Mary greets Elizabeth, the baby in Elizabeth’s womb ‘leaped’ with joy (Luke 1:41). At that moment, Elizabeth is filled with the Holy Spirit and speaks a blessing over Mary, saying, ‘Blessed art thou among women, and blessed is the fruit of thy womb’ (Luke 1:42). She acknowledges Mary’s unique role in God’s plan, calling her ‘the mother of my Lord’ (Luke 1:43). Elizabeth further praises Mary for her faith, saying, ‘Blessed is she that believed: for there shall be a performance of those things which were told her from the Lord’ (Luke 1:45).
This encounter between Elizabeth and Mary, known as the Visitation, is notable for its mutual recognition of the divine workings in their lives. Elizabeth, through the Holy Spirit, recognizes the significance of Mary’s child, while Mary responds with the hymn known as the Magnificat, exalting God for His mercy and faithfulness (Luke 1:46-55).
Birth Of Saint John The Baptist
When the time comes for Elizabeth to give birth, she bears a son, as the angel had foretold (Luke 1:57). Her neighbors and relatives share in her joy, recognizing that the Lord has shown her great mercy (Luke 1:58). On the eighth day, when the child is to be circumcised and named, the relatives expect the boy to be named after his father, Zachariah. However, Elizabeth insists that he be named John, following the angel’s command (Luke 1:59-60). When questioned, Zachariah confirms the name by writing, ‘His name is John,’ and immediately his speech is restored (Luke 1:63-64). At this, fear comes upon all their neighbors, and the news spreads throughout the region, leading the people to wonder about the future of the child (Luke 1:65-66).
Prayer To Saint Elizabeth
O Glorious Saint Elizabeth,
Righteous and faithful servant of God, you who walked blamelessly in His commandments,
We turn to you in humble prayer.
You bore the reproach of childlessness with grace and trust in the Lord’s will,
And through His mercy, you were granted the gift of life in your old age,
Becoming the mother of the great prophet, John the Baptist.
Intercede for us, that we too may trust in God’s plan for our lives,
Even when the way seems unclear,
Teach us to remain patient and faithful,
Just as you waited in hope and humility for God’s promises to be fulfilled.
You recognized the presence of the Lord in the womb of Mary,
And your heart leapt with joy.
Help us to recognize Christ’s presence in our own lives,
And to be open to the Holy Spirit’s promptings,
That we may follow His will with courage and peace.
Pray for all those who long for hope,
For those who struggle with doubt or fear,
And for those who carry burdens in silence.
May your example of grace and trust inspire us to persevere
In faith and love, knowing that God is faithful to His promises.
Saint Elizabeth, pray for us,
That we may grow in holiness and trust,
And be open to the miracles God is working in our lives.
Amen.
In the early Church, the days after Easter were not merely about looking back to the resurrection of Christ — they were about awakening the newly baptized to the mystery that they had just entered. The Jerusalem Catecheses, a series of teachings attributed to St. Cyril of Jerusalem or a contemporary bishop in the 4th century, offer us a glimpse into that world. Today’s passage reflects on what happens after baptism — the anointing with chrism — and why it matters so deeply [ … ]
Christian Art | Life Of Jesus In The Gospels | King James Audio Bible KJV The Gospel Of Saint John 14: 1-7 | King James Audio Bible YouTube: Connection With The Life Of Jesus In The Gospels | King James Audio Bible The Gospels are not just a collection of stories or teachings, but a window into the life of Jesus. By reading and reflecting on the Gospels, we gain a deeper understanding of who Jesus was and what he came to do. As we read the Gospels, we see that Jesus was a man of great compassion and love. Jesus showed mercy to the outcasts and the marginalized, and he offered healing and hope to those who were in need. He also taught with authority, challenging the religious leaders of his day and offering a new way of living based on love and service. But the Gospels are not just a history lesson. They are also an invitation for us to enter into a relationship with Jesus. By reading and meditating on the Gospels, we can come to know Jesus more personally and deeply. We can learn from his example and seek to follow in his footsteps. So we may be encouraged to read the Gospels, perhaps starting with the Gospel of Mark or the Gospel of John, as we read paying attention to how Jesus interacted with others and how he responded to different situations. We may ask ourselves what you can learn from his words and actions, and how we can apply them to our own lives. And as we read, we can allow ourselves to be drawn into a closer relationship with Jesus. There truly is an historical Jesus. May the Gospels be a source of guidance, inspiration, and transformation for us all. How Much In The Gospels Is Historical, And How Much Is Myth, Legend, Trope, Figurative Thinking? It is difficult to say with certainty how much of the Gospels is historical in the modern sense of the word and how much is myth, legend, trope, or figurative thinking. The Gospels were written some years after the events they describe, and they were written from the perspective of the early Christian community. This means that the Gospels may contain a mix of historical facts and interpretation, as well as elements of myth, legend, and figurative thinking. That being said, scholars believe that the Gospels contain a good deal of historical information. For example, the Gospels describe specific places and events, such as the places where Jesus preached and the events of his trial and Crucifixion. These details suggest that the writers of the Gospels had access to historical information and intended to provide an accurate account of what happened. On the other hand, the Gospels also contain elements that are not seen by all as historical, howsoever this goes to the root of the faith, such as the miracles performed by Jesus and the accounts of his resurrection. Some see these as legends or myths that were added to the Gospels to help convey the message of the early Christian community. The question of how much of the Gospels is historical and how much is myth, legend, or figurative thinking is complex. What is important is that we approach the Gospels with an open mind and a willingness to engage with the stories and teachings they contain. We are in the Gospels in conversation with God – and with the many people who have had such faith and conversations – as with the historical Jesus. Why Do The Gospels Say Were People Afraid Of Jesus? There are several reasons why people may have been afraid of Jesus, according to the Gospels. One reason is that Jesus was a powerful and charismatic figure who challenged the religious and political authorities of his time. He spoke out against corruption and injustice, and he called on people to repent and turn to God. This type of behaviour was seen as threatening by those in positions of power, and they may have been afraid of losing their influence or authority. Another reason is that Jesus performed many miracles, such as healing the sick and casting out demons. These miracles were seen as evidence of his divine power, and they may have made people afraid of him. Some people may have been afraid of being healed or possessed by Jesus, while others may have been afraid of what would happen if they did not believe in him. Finally, some people may have been afraid of Jesus because of the prophecies and expectations of the coming of a messiah. The Jews of Jesus’ time were looking for a saviour who would deliver them from oppression and establish a kingdom of God on earth. When Jesus arrived on the scene, he may have been seen as a threat to the status quo, and some people may have been afraid of what he might do. Might The Fear Be Related To The Fear Of God – The Injunction To Fear God? Yes, it is possible that the fear of Jesus mentioned in the Gospels may be related to the fear of God. In the Old Testament, the fear of God is often used to describe a deep reverence and awe for God, as well as a sense of humility and obedience in the face of his greatness. This fear of God is seen as a positive and necessary quality for a faithful believer, and it is often linked to the idea of fearing God’s punishment or judgement. In the New Testament, the fear of God is also mentioned, but it is often portrayed in a more positive light. For example, in the Gospel of Luke, Jesus tells his followers not to be afraid of those who can only kill the body, but to fear God, who can destroy both body and soul (Luke 12:4-5). This suggests that the fear of God is not just about punishment, but about a deep respect for […]
The two miracles, which occur almost simultaneously in these Gospel verses, shed light upon one another, as Jesus brings two people back to their communities, the woman with the issue of blood, a haemorrhage, because this would render her impure and so outcast, and the girl from death. Two aspects of the Law regarding purity are juxtaposed, and with them sin and death [ … ]
