ISB ~ Luke 1 v15

no wine nor strong drink:An allusion to Num 6:3, indicating that John will be dedicated to the Lord as a Nazirite. He will thus refrain from intoxicating beverages, cutting his hair, and all contact with the dead (Num 6:1-12). Practically speaking, Nazirites lived an early form of religious life and were the equivalent of Old Covenant monks and nuns. They could be priests or lay people, and their consecrated service could be temporary or lifelong.

• John’s dedication recalls that of Samson (Judg 13:4-7) and Samuel (1 Sam 1:11). Like these Nazirites, John will play an outstanding role in God’s plan for Israel.

filled with the Holy Spirit:To prepare Israel for the Lord (Lk 1:17), the Lord first prepares John with grace. He and the Virgin Mary were sanctified before birth (CCC 717).See note on Lk 1:28.

• John’s consecration resembles the calling of Jeremiah from his mother’s womb (Jer 1:5).