Emasculation of the Priesthood.

In the Orthodox Church on the Feast of the Nativity of St. John the Baptist and Forerunner, the gospel reading is complied  from Luke. It includes the first 25 verses of chapter 1, plus a selection of additional verses dealing specifically with John. Despite offering an abridged version of the first chapter of Luke, this pericope expands on Mark’s approach of beginning the Gospel of Jesus with the origin of his Forerunner. In this “back story” we can note important details in the text and glean key Scriptural points for teaching. The  silencing of Zachariah represents a total emasculation of the priesthood; at the same time it reinforces the implementation of grace according to the will of God, and the power of the Holy Spirit to enable one to open his mouth and utter words of praise unto God.

Join me in a discussion of Luke 1:1-25; 57-68; 76; 80.

References 

Genesis 6:9
צַדִּ֛יק (ṣad·dîq) - righteous
תָּמִ֥ים (tā·mîm) - blameless
Malachi 4:5-6
Matthew 17:13
Luke 1:39-42

“Crystal Ball” performed by Prince.