Feast of John The Baptist

Feast of John The Baptist Reflection
By Rev. Fr. Bob Johnnene OFD
Mission Saints Sergius & Bacchus/ Franciscans of Divine Mercy
National Catholic Church of America
www.franciscansdivinemercy.org
www.missionstsergius.org

Today’s Gospel is from Luke and it tells the story of the birth of John the Baptist whose feast we celebrate Sunday June 24th.
In the story we hear how when John was brought to be circumcised on the eighth day in accordance with Jewish law which was the equivalent of our Baptism, when asked what the baby’s name was to be, Elizabeth answered “John” and all [present were shocked and responded that John was not a family name. They then asked Zechariah the father who was unable to speak what he desired the child to be named and He wrote on a tablet “JOHN” and instantly he was able to speak and began praising God.
The people were astonished and pondered and the word of this miracle spread through all Judea and people asked “saying, "What, then, will this child be?" For surely the hand of the Lord was with him”.
The first reading for the feast of John The Baptist is from Isaiah 49 and in it we are reminded that each of us is brought forth into this world by God for a purpose when it says; “Hear me, O coastlands, listen, O distant peoples. The LORD called me from birth, from my mother's womb he gave me my name.”…For now the LORD has spoken who formed me as his servant from the womb”
The Responsorial Psalm reminds us of our obligation to thank God when it says; I praise you, for I am wonderfully made.
Far too often we forget that we are here by God’s will and that God has a purpose for each of us. For some it is to be a good example as a Mother or Father, for others to be a teacher, doctor, nurse, lawyer, fireman, policeman, Priest, nun or a farm hand.
Whatever it is that God desires of us it is our responsibility to fulfill God’s will and be the best we can be.
Some will say “How do I know what God wants of me?” I respond, “He will give you indication by instilling within you a desire to become something often in your early years and sometimes in later life.”
When I was around 4 or 5 I told my parents that I wanted to be a priest. Granted, in my family I was surrounded by aunts, uncles, and cousins who were Bishops, priests and nuns, but I was also surrounded by an actress, artist, musician and my father who was a professional singer.
My Father built an altar complete with a tabernacle which was on my dresser in my bed room and it had candlesticks, a crucifix and statues. I even often held funeral services for some of the creatures I called “pets” a frog, salamander, rabbit and a fish.
I entered the seminary out of High School and actually was ordained a transitional deacon in 1956 scheduled to be ordained in 1957. That was not to be and I went forward and followed my second love theater and met the woman who became my wife and the mother of my 3 children. All the while, I was still tied to the church and taught in Catholic Schools, was the Director of Religious education for parishes and then in 1980 I was called by my pastor to be ordained a Deacon followed in 2004 as a priest.
I realize that all the life experiences I had between 1957 to 2004 were needed in order for me to be the kind of priest God desired.
What I am saying is that we often have that inner voice calling us to some sort of profession or work that God feels we could do and also be an instruments bringing greater honor and Glory to God, which is what we all are called to do.
St. John the Baptist was called before his birth to be the voice preparing for the coming of the promised redeemer. He was the Voice crying in the wilderness saying “Prepare the way for the Lord” We also are called to continue to prepare the way, but we are now preparing the way for the second coming of Our Lord who will judge us on how well we have fulfilled God’s will.
Let us go forth this day with conviction and dedication determined to give God Honor, praise and Glory by living our lives in accord with the instructions Christ gave us; “Love one another as I have loved you” AMEN