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.
