BORN TO BE SEPARATED FROM THE WORLD - 6/23/22 (Solemnity of the Nativity of Saint John the Baptist!)

Luke 1:63-66, 80

He asked for a tablet and wrote, “John is his name,” and all were amazed. Immediately his mouth was opened, his tongue freed, and he spoke blessing God. Then fear came upon all their neighbors, and all these matters were discussed throughout the hill country of Judea. All who heard these things took them to heart, saying, “What, then, will this child be?” For surely the hand of the Lord was with him. 

The child grew and became strong in spirit, and he was in the desert until the day of his manifestation to Israel.

For the full readings, click here: 

https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/062322-day.cfm

For more information on examination of conscience and guide to confession, click here:

https://mycatholic.life/catholic-prayers/examination-of-conscience/

Blessed Solemnity of the Nativity of Saint John the Baptist!! As we commemorate his birth, let's be reminded the questions that many people asked themselves, “What, then, will this child be?” The Gospel shows us that St. John the Baptist became strong in his faith, and he was in the desert. He was born to be separated from the world. And yet, we are also born with the purpose of being separated from the world, even if we cannot do this physically. Why? It's for us to give ourselves more to our Lord, like what St. John the Baptist did. 

St. Zechariah, the father of St. John, became mute, and he was unable to speak because he doubted the promises of God for him. He doubted that he would have a child. If we become attached to the ways and lifestyle of the world, there will be a time that we will doubt God. For some, they will deny that He exists. Others will deny the importance of following His commandments and the teachings of the Catholic Church. We may also doubt that God has a plan for us which will really make us happy because our understanding of happiness is now based on what we see from other people, not from what God reveals to us. 

There are many people around us who may influence us to reject the teachings of the Catholic Church or to not make God the center of our lives. But, what should we do? If we really want to be separated from the world, we need to reflect and ponder things with God. St. Zechariah did not immediately listen to the suggestions of the people around him. He was silent and perhaps, he remembered that the angel told him to name his son, "John." At that moment, St. Zechariah was able to speak, and he immediately praised God. It's really important for us to not depend on the actions of other people. Rather, when something is disturbing us, God is inviting us to practice silence and to use that time to reflect on what God wants for us and to study the Catholic faith if He is calling us to deepen our knowledge of the truth. 

The fruits of the silence of St. Zechariah were seen when he opened his mouth that led to many people to have greater reverence in God, and it also led him to pray to God. We can also see this in the life of St. John the Baptist. He was not influenced by the sinful ways of the Pharisees or the Gentiles because he was in the desert making sacrifices and praying to Him. Through his prayers, he was able to discern that God wanted to make him His instrument for the repentance of people. As we practice silence in our own way, Jesus desires that we persevere in sharing the love of God to others through our words that may help them and bring consolation to them. When God gives us the opportunity to stand up for what is truth, we should take this and be courageous like St. John the Baptist. And, even if it's difficult at first, God will guide us and aid us when we choose to spend more time with Him in our prayers. It's pleasing to Him if we share with Him our troubles and include Him in our plans and decisions in life. Through the intercession of St. John the Baptist, God will prepare and direct our hearts into the way of salvation and peace. 

Amen +

Jesus, Mary, and Joseph, be with us always until the hour of our death. Amen. +

 

May the Lord + bless us, protect us from all evil and bring us to everlasting life. Amen. +  

Reflection by: Dominic