GOD'S GRACIOUSNESS TOWARDS FAMILIES - 12/23/22 (Thursday of the Fourth Week of Advent)

Luke 1:57–60

Now the time came for Elizabeth to be delivered, and she gave birth to a son. And her neighbors and kinsfolk heard that the Lord had shown great mercy to her, and they rejoiced with her. And on the eighth day they came to circumcise the child; and they would have named him Zechariah after his father, but his mother said, “Not so; he shall be called John.”

For the full readings, click here: 

https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/122322.cfm

Blessed Friday! The meaning of the name of John is "God is gracious." He has shown His graciousness and kindness to their family by making it possible for St. Elizabeth to bear a son despite her old age. As we see in St. Zechariah, he was miraculously cured by God in the gospel reading. St. John the Baptist was God's gift to their family while the parents were also His gift to St. John. As Christmas comes sooner, we may be thinking of the gifts that we will be giving to our families. Our Lord Jesus wants us to remember that each of the family members is God's gift to the whole family. This can happen if we learn to submit ourselves to the will of God. St. Elizabeth did not listen to the suggestions of other people when she named her child as "John." At the same time, it was providence that St. Zechariah also named his son as "John." In the same way, our families should learn to listen to the inspiration from God, not from people who may influence us to act contrary to God's will, as we live with our family.

St. John the Baptist prepared the way for Jesus Christ. He preached the message of repentance, but he knew that it was God's will for him when he was in the desert. But, before he became a prophet and a hermit, St. John learned the wisdom of God and the path to holiness from his parents. We are given an opportunity by the Lord to fulfill our vocation in life in the context of our family life, and that is to love God and lead people to His love. One of the greatest gifts that parents and other family members can give to their families is to share the Catholic faith.  Let's not forget the true essence of Christmas, and that is Jesus Christ. It is truly pleasing to God if the parents are good role models for their children, not just with sharing Catholic teachings, but in persevering a holy life as well. This is what the world needs during this time that more people are no longer centered on God. We may realize our shortcomings before, but let's not lose hope. St. Zechariah, who became mute because of his lack of trust in God, was healed because he learned to obey Him as he reflected in silence for 9 months. May we receive mercy and forgiveness from our Lord Jesus Christ as we ponder on how we can be closer to God and what He inspires us to do to bring people closer to Him. 

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

Optional Memorial of St. John Kanty:

https://mycatholic.life/saints/saints-of-the-liturgical-year/23-december-saint-john-of-kanty-priest--optional-memorial/

Examination of Conscience and Guide to Sacrament of Confession:

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

Ultimate Catholic Parents Guide:

https://youtube.com/watch?v=Ls6IcexZAls

Summary and Defense of Catholic Teachings:

https://www.catholic.com/tract/pillar-of-fire-pillar-of-truth