Monday, June 24, 2013


Solemnity of the Nativity of Saint John the Baptist

(Isaiah 49:1-6; Acts13:22-26; Luke 1:57-66.80)

A young man was recently ordained to the transitional diaconate.  God-willing, next year he will become a priest.  He is the only son in a small family, but his parents were not reluctant at all to see him pursue his vocation.  Like Zechariah and Elizabeth in today’s gospel, they are grateful to have a child who will serve the Lord.

John, the son of Zechariah and Elizabeth, is named not after one of his grandfathers as was the custom of the time, but on God’s order communicated by the angel.  His parents are pious people intent on doing the will of God.  They seem willing as well to accept his destiny of being a prophet in the desert.

Often we make plans for our futures, and perhaps even the futures of our family members, without discerning God’s will.  Yes, such discernment can be both neither completely conclusive nor satisfying, but giving ourselves to the will of God has its rewards.  Devoting ourselves to God brings both internal peace and eternal glory.