Daily Gospel Reflection for June 24, 2023: Solemnity of the Nativity of St. John the Baptist

Join us as we reflect, ponder, and pray together inspired by today's Gospel.

Everyone who has been through their first pregnancy can understand just how many opinions copme with motherhood. In fact, every detail from your child’s name, the birth plan, nursery decor, feeding choices, childcare options, and socialization have been judged and discussed by those around you. It was no different in the time of Elizabeth and Zechariah! From the birth of John, the neighbors and relatives gossiped and discussed the naming of their son. When things did not go according to societal tradition, they questioned Elizabeth’s choice.

Elizabeth and Zechariah, speaking as one, insisted that the child was not to be named Zechariah, but John, baffling the crowd. As a result, Zechariah was able to regain his own voice, freeing him from a many-months battle to speak.

Freedom comes from calling children by their true name and allowing them to live according to God’s will for their life. The world loves to put their own labels, names, and expectations on your children. They define success, grade your parenting, and pressure you to raise your child a certain way. However, your child has a true name, and that is “Son or Daughter of our Lord.” That title far outweighs athlete/scholar/popular/talented and the like.

When we call our children by their true name, only then can they flourish in the freedom of grace and become all that they are meant to be, becoming “strong in spirit,” as God intended. May we have the courage to parent as God intends, and not as the world demands.

Ponder:

Where do I need to stand up to societal pressure for the sake of my child's true identity?

Pray:

Creator God, our children have a call and a vocation from the fruits of their baptism, and we thank You for that. Guide us as parents to guide them towards Your will for their lives.