Luke 1:57-66, 80 – Solemnity of the Nativity of Saint John the Baptist
When the time arrived for Elizabeth to have her child she gave birth to a son. Her neighbors and relatives heard that the Lord had shown his great mercy toward her, and they rejoiced with her. When they came on the eighth day to circumcise the child, they were going to call him Zechariah after his father, but his mother said in reply, “No. He will be called John.” But they answered her, “There is no one among your relatives who has this name.” So they made signs, asking his father what he wished him to be called. 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.
Reflection written by Veronica Martinez, Co-Chair Faith and Culture, traveled 2009 Africa. I had never had an inclination to visit this continent. Why was I going? What did God have in store for me in this journey? Through circumstances beyond my wildest dreams, I found myself sitting on the plane with 23 other pilgrims from St Monica’s embarking on a journey that would forever change me. Let me rephrase that…forever change my perspective. I was so blessed--blessed by God’s good and gracious gifts. There was no denying that, yet I was so restless. What was missing? A husband? Children? My true vocation? All I knew was the only place I could steady my restless heart those days was during prayer. And so I trusted God and followed His call to Africa with an open heart, seeking an answer.
The answer was in the profound faith I saw in the people of this land. They were like Elizabeth and Zechariah in today’s reading, faithful and rejoicing. And me, completely wrapped up in my fears and doubts, I was more like their neighbors choosing to focus more on what I did not understand in my life.
Through their eyes, God opened my eyes to what it means to have profound faith and joy. And the result was profound peace and love. I saw Christ in every face. I saw God’s wisdom in nature. The perspective I gained was that God is good…ALL the time. And that is His nature…WOW!
No comments:
Post a Comment