Solemnity of the Nativity of Saint John the Baptist – Mass during the Day

Our Mass readings often remind us of the great intimacy we have with God and of how each of us has a beautiful vocation story. From our conception, God calls us by name and gently leads us by a grace-given arm. We are formed to be servants who live a Eucharistic life.

In recalling the nativity of John the Baptist, each year we are born again to fulfill a mission for evangelizing the Christ. We join with John as stewards of this great hand of care to others. We recall our parents’ naming of us. We recall that we entered into a deep and lasting covenant at our baptism. We renew this covenant, where God calls us again and again through the regular celebration of the Eucharist and the reception of Holy Communion. We are blessed because we are wonderfully made!

How are we growing stronger in God’s spirit these days? The aging process may at times take us away from realizing the graces in our growth in wisdom. The aches, pills, and appointments with health care are time-consuming elements that, for some, make us forget the wonderfulness of our bodies. The reality of looking into a mirror and seeing something new that God is creating with our DNA is sometimes a great surprise!

Yet we are called to see that God’s mercy is upon us, as with Elizabeth, who, in her aging, was called to live a new reality of mothering. Zechariah, too, was muted for nine months to ponder God’s works, then boldly proclaims a name above all others. That creative, bold name, meaning “God’s beloved,” reminds us that each one of us, too, is a beloved child of God. We are called to fulfill praise and worship of God, pointing the way to the Lamb of God.

Prayer

Help me, O God, to know that I am wonderfully made, chosen by you to serve and bring others to your Son, Jesus Christ. May my desire to ponder your Word and Sacrament. Help me with the wisdom of my age and unite me to the glory of your reign, through Christ our Lord.