Breaking Tradition

Gospel: Luke 1: 57-66, 80

Today's feast is remarkable in the vast break with tradition for its time that the event represents.  First, Elizabeth announces the name of her son would be John.  The audience is shocked: no one in your family has this name - you can't choose this name.  They turn to Zechariah in the hope that he would overrule his wife, but instead he confirms the name for their child would be John.  Family and friends were simply aghast at such a breach of tradition.

But there is more: the fact that Elizabeth announces the name of the child is remarkable.  Ordinarily that was the task of the husband.  Yet, Elizabeth was the one who received the name from the angel.  She would be the one to announce the name.  Naturally, no one would believe a woman about the name or anything else, so ironically they turn to the man who did not believe the message of the angel to make the decision about the name.  

There remain institutions that insist preaching is reserved to the ordained, and ordination reserved to men.  Yet, the larger tradition says otherwise.  Elizabeth and Mary announce the names of their children.  The Samaritan woman proclaims the Lord Jesus to her town.  Mary Magdalene announces the Resurrection of Jesus.  That the Lord be proclaimed authentically is far more important than who does so.  Today's feast reminds us of this reality.