Why? “We think that evil is basically good,” said Pope Benedict XVI (December 8, 2005). Bad friendships, habits of serious sin, rising despair-all of these can eat away at us. We, too, might have a bit of Zechariah in us. He regains his speech only after publicly accepting God’s plan and allowing his newborn son to take the name John. Loosened Lips: Zechariah had doubted God and was struck mute.How will I want them to remember my example? Do I appreciate the role that little ones have in God’s plans? Do I respect their dignity? Or do I try to impose my prejudices on them? They are tomorrow’s adults. Each has a vocation, a calling, in the Church. Even today, each and every child is loved by God and has a destiny in the heavenly Father’s plan. John was in the Almighty’s special care from the start. It showed her recognition of God’s great plan for the child. So, for Elizabeth to name her son “John” was significant. God’s Choice: For the ancient Jews, a name captured, even defined, a person’s identity.What have I done lately to help the little ones, born and unborn? Is there a crisis-pregnancy center that could use help? Have I spoken well of parents who are open to large families? They don’t even have to be our own children we can feel an obligation to help all kids, since their lives enrich all of us. Their neediness can, and should, soften our hearts. In their childlike simplicity they teach us to remain simple. And by teaching us patience and selflessness, the little ones help us grow in holiness. Each new child reflects a facet of the infinite beauty and mystery of God. Babies are God’s way of saying the world should go on. Bundle of Joy: The arrival of a new baby has been a source of joy throughout the ages.Petition : Grant me new respect, Lord, for parents. I believe that you died for us and want us to be with you forever in heaven. Introductory Prayer : Lord, I make this effort at prayer for the sake of my soul and the souls of my loved ones. The child grew and became strong in spirit, and he was in the desert until the day of his manifestation to Israel. 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. Then fear came upon all their neighbors, and all these matters were discussed throughout the hill country of Judea. Immediately his mouth was opened, his tongue freed, and he spoke blessing God. He asked for a tablet and wrote, “John is his name,” and all were amazed. 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. 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. Her neighbors and relatives heard that the Lord had shown his great mercy toward her, and they rejoiced with her. When the time arrived for Elizabeth to have her child she gave birth to a son. Solemnity of the Nativity of John the Baptist
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