Please read the Scripture passage before the homily.
“Are we there yet?” is a question we asked our parents many times during long and boring road trips. It meant that we were not happy to be hauled away from selfish play to visit someone more important or to do something more important.
It is a question we can ask today as we hear of the birth of John the Baptist. We have come to understand that Luke first tells us a story about John and then a similar story about Jesus. So, with the birth of John in today’s reading, we think we are ready for the story of the birth of Jesus. Nevertheless, we are not there yet. It is only Friday, and we celebrate the birth of Jesus Sunday.
To answer our childish question, “there” is over the hill, a little ways, and we’ll get there soon enough. There is, however, another question that needs to be asked and answered. It is Zechariah’s turn to ask, “Can I say something? His name is John; don’t forget it.”
And the word went out and there was joy throughout the land. When we go, we must wait patiently, know the name of the one who is coming, and spread the good news, “He is coming soon.”