THE WONDER OF LIFE
Apart
from Jesus and Mary, John the Baptist is the only saint whose birth the
Church celebrates. He is a prominent figure as the forerunner of
Christ, the Lamb of God. Even while in his mother’s womb, he leapt for
joy at the visitation of the Messiah when Mary came to visit Elizabeth.
Today’s celebration of the Baptist’s birthday is a celebration of our
life. God called all of us to make a difference in our lives and in the
lives of others, which is what John did in his life and ministry. We
rejoice with the whole Church today in honoring John the Baptist.
It was the custom of the father to give the child his own name or that
of a significant relative. The people became perplexed that the child
was not given a name after his father, Zechariah. The father must obey
the message of the angel. His name is John, which means “God is
gracious,” and we certainly see that kindness of God in giving Elizabeth
a son in her old age.
Every name has a significant meaning. It would be good to find the
meaning of your own name, to remember again the uniqueness you have to
offer by being who you are called to be by your name.
The grace of God was in the life of John. He was honored to be the
Precursor of Jesus, the last of the Old Testament prophets. The joy of
the Baptist was to see Jesus come to His own and minister peace and
reconciliation. He was known to baptize with water. Jesus would follow
and baptize with fire and the Spirit. As the people wondered what this
child would be, God was already preparing the heart of John for His
purpose. We see in the life of John what God can do with one who is open
to His grace. Fr. Brian Steele, MGL
REFLECTION
QUESTION: Let us imitate John today as we seek to follow Jesus. Let us
rejoice again in our birth, that we are wonderfully made.
Lord, I thank You for the gift of my life. May I fulfill Your purpose for my name, for my life. Amen.
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