today's readings are Isaiah 49: 1-6, Psalm 139 ; Acts 13: 22-26; Luke 1: 57-66, 80
Well this is a rare event. The fact that the traditional celebration of the birth of John the Baptist takes place on June 24th, but we are celebrating it today. Why?
Because of the fact that this year Easter Sunday fell on April 17th. Thus Pentecost fell on June 5th. And the Solemnity of the Sacred Heart of Jesus is the Friday following the second Sunday after Pentecost, and if you do the math, guess what? The Sacred Heart falls this year on June 24th, hence the decision by the Bishops of the Church to move the birth of the Baptist to the day before.
In our gospel today we have one of my most favourite questions in the Bible: "What then will this child become?" Well, we know what he would become - the one to announce the coming of the Saviour.
This same question comes to my mind when I baptize a baby or look upon a little boy or girl. So incredibly cute! But there is a mystery around the child. What will they become?
One thing for sure. God has plans for that child. Just as it was for John, the "hand of the Lord" is with that child too.
Let us pray for our little ones. Under the guidance of the Holy Spirit, and with the help and guidance of their family and parish, may they become something beautiful for God.