Reflection for THURSDAY, The Nativity of St. John the Baptist.

Today's Word

Luke 1:66

Everyone who heard this wondered about it, asking, “What then is this child going to be?” For the Lord’s hand was with him.


TODAY'S REFLECTION

It is said that the two most important days in your life is the day you were born and the day you found out why.

As much as there are many important and special days in our lives, we will remember that day when we had to undertake a life-long commitment, be it in marriage, in the religious life or in the priesthood.

When we know why we exist and for what unique reason, then it can be said that we were born for that.

Today as we celebrate the birth of St. John the Baptist, we celebrate the greatest of all the prophets because it was he would point out who the Saviour is.

The mission of St. John the Baptist was planned by God even before he came into existence.

When we think deeper about it, our existence is in God's plan even before we came into existence in this world.

God has a plan and mission for each of us just as He had a plan and a mission for St John the Baptist.

St. John the Baptist went on to fulfill his mission in life and prepared the way for the Saviour.

The Gospel presents the beautiful incident of the birth and naming of St John the Baptist.

The birth of John the Baptist is the pivot around which the history of our faith turns.

He was the last prophet of the Old Covenant – and the first of the New Covenant.

One of the highlighting aspects of the birth of John the Baptist is the message that “hope is not to be lost, even in the midst of extreme barrenness!”

The Gospel of St Luke says that “Elizabeth and Zechariah, both were advanced in years”, but they had no child; Elizabeth was barren” (Lk 1: 7)

Elizabeth’s barrenness was also symbolic of the barrenness of the land, of the world and of the entire humanity…

Wickedness had caused creation to be incapable of nurturing and sustaining life

Sin had rendered human beings infertile, to bear God’s grace and live in holiness

From the barrenness of the world, God gave rise to the Fountain of hope and trust!


The entire life of St John – through the key events – is a spectacular reminder of this great virtue of “hope”…

A. The conception of John

Even when there is barrenness all around, we need to “hope” in God who is able to work miracles and give us life and joy!

B. The naming of John

Even when there are many worldly voices that seek to distract us from the ways that God wishes for us, we need to “hope” in God and follow whatever He wills, so as to find glory and joy in Him!

C. The life of John in the desert

Even when life takes us through the deserts of emptiness, dangers, hardships and misery, we need to “hope” in God who has a definite plan and purpose for our life!

D. The beheading of John

Even when we become victims of cruelty, exploitation, wickedness and inhumaneness, we need to “hope” in God by living a life of truth, courage, convictions and valour!

The Church celebrates the Nativity of only three persons, in her liturgical calendar…

Jesus -“Hope” Himself


Mother Mary – the Mother of “Hope”

John the Baptist – the symbol of “Hope”

We are invited to have our lives truly rooted in “hope” and become beacons of spreading this “hope and trust” to others.


There are many who are sick in our world.


There are many who are burnt by the fires of afflictions and at the point of death

There are many who have lost all faith in life and give themselves up to despair and dejection.


May Jesus our “Hope” and Blessed Mamma, our “Mother of Hope” strengthen us!


Resolution

Let's resolve to fulfill our mission in life so that we will be able to see the beauty and wonder of God's plan in our lives.

GOD BLESS YOU 

Good morning. Have a nice day.

Wish you a Happy Feast of the Nativity of the “symbol of Hope” – St John the Baptist.