Luke 1:62Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

Zacharias was communicated with through signs, yet due to his lack of faith, he found himself unable to hear or speak. In response, he conveyed his message using gestures and writing, stating: John is his name (Luke 1:63).

They communicated through gestures, as he was unable to hear, as previously mentioned. It is understood that the abilities of hearing and speech are linked through a single nerve. Hence, those who are mute from birth also lack the ability to hear. In this manner, Zechariah's ability to speak was similarly restricted, just like those who have been mute since their birth.

The Muteness of Zechariah

When Zechariah's son was born, his relatives planned to name him according to their wishes. Tablets were presented to Zechariah so he could inscribe the name as he desired, allowing him to communicate through written words what he could not verbalize. Miraculously receiving the tablets and grasping the stylus, he loosed his tongue, beginning with speech instead of writing, proclaiming the name: ‘John.’ Therefore, observe the honor of the holy Baptizer: he restored the father's voice and revitalized the priest's eloquence! Consider his merit: the mouth that was silenced by the angel was freed by John. What Gabriel had hindered, the child enabled, for he was, in essence, an angel, as it is written, Behold, I send my angel before your face (Luke 7:27).

Circumcision serves as a fitting symbol of the Resurrection of our Lord, as it is performed on the eighth day, following the Sabbath. Just as this rite aimed to liberate from the condemnation of eternal death, it reflects the ultimate renewal of everlasting life in our Creator and instills hope within us.

The name John signifies "the mercy of God" or "the One who embodies mercy." This name encapsulates the entirety of the mercies proclaimed in the good news of the Gospel, particularly through the Lord, by whom mercy was extended to the world. Regarding the name announced for John, Zechariah's mouth was unsealed, allowing him to praise God. Clearly, since the grace of the new covenant was revealed by the apostles, many priests responded with faith.

They gestured to their father, feeling it was important to communicate with him. He possessed the authority to bestow a name, particularly to a male offspring. This reflects the Gospel accounts detailing the events surrounding the earthly existence of Jesus Christ, including the birth of John the Baptist and his early years.

In Nazareth, as Mary's secret was revealed, the silence that had held Zacharias’s tongue was also released. As the angel had promised, Elizabeth gave birth to a son, and many relatives and friends gathered to celebrate this momentous occasion. They were astonished by the remarkable turn of events and connected it to the timing of Zacharias's vision, yet they lacked concrete understanding. Zacharias remained mute, while Elizabeth was resolute in not disclosing any information without her husband's consent. Seven days went by, and on the eighth day, when the child was to be circumcised and named—a time typically marked by a family celebration among the Jews, involving at least ten close relatives—the family gathered in Zacharias’s home for this holy event.

Shortly after Our Lady left the home of Elizabeth, the latter welcomed a son into the world. The elder parents, along with their neighbors and relatives, perceived this occurrence as a remarkable act of divine grace and compassion, prompting all to celebrate alongside them. On the eighth day following the birth, it was mandated by the law (Leviticus 12:3) to circumcise the child, while also adhering to the tradition (Genesis 21:3-4) of giving him a name. Discussions arose regarding what name the newborn should receive, with many suggesting Zacharias, in keeping with the custom of naming children after family members. However, Elizabeth, guided by the instruction of the angel (I, 13), which was unknown to those present at the circumcision ceremony, insisted on naming her son John.

None of Zechariah's family bore that name. To name the infant John was to break from a tradition cherished for generations. In order to resolve the confusion, the people looked to Zechariah and communicated through gestures to inquire about the child's name. Given that they used signs, it can be inferred that he was not only mute but also unable to hear, as a consequence of God's judgment for his disbelief; he could not perceive auditory inquiries, thus the communication had to occur through signs.

On the eighth day, as per the custom of the law, the rite of circumcision took place, and they together named the infant. The mother, aware of her husband's revelation, wished to name her son John, but the relatives objected, insisting that such a name was not found within their family lineage and proposed instead to name the child after his father. Consequently, Zechariah was asked to resolve the disagreement. When they inquired through gestures regarding his preferred name for his son, Zechariah requested a writing tablet and inscribed, “His name is John.” Everyone was taken aback by this alignment with Elizabeth's choice.