Reflections of a beloved son

Like Jesus, St. John the Baptist was a miracle baby. He was born to an old couple and to a mother who was barren. John had been called by name. When the Angel appeared to Zechariah to tell him his wife Elizabeth will bear a son, he also told him the name the child shall be called. After his birth, the people asked Elizabeth and Zechariah what the name of the child should be. They said, “John is his name.” John had an important mission. He was to be the forerunner of Christ, to tell people to prepare their hearts for Christ, and to baptize the people for the forgiveness of sins. You too are called by name. We too have a mission. God calls us by name. God calls you by name. God calls out to you, in the deepest recesses of your hearts. He calls for you. Even before you were born, God has called you. John the Baptist leapt in his mother’s womb when Jesus in Mary’s womb came to visit. Each one of us is special to God and each one of us has a special call and mission. Your life is meaningful...

We are chosen. When the world rejects us, let us never forget that we have already been chosen by a Father who has loved us even before we came into existence. When the world tells you that you are not enough, know that God says to you, "I love you, and I choose you." May we in turn have the courage to say "You and Your grace is enough for me."  

In today's first reading from the Acts of the Apostles (2:36-41), Peter speaks to the Jewish people on the day of Pentecost saying "...God has made him both Lord and Christ, this Jesus whom you crucified."  In other words, they have crucified and killed the Lord and the Christ.  The Scriptures tell us that " they were cut to the heart " upon hearing this.  Cut to the heart.  What does that mean? Perhaps we could understand "cut to the heart" as feeling hurt, pain, guilty, remorseful, shocked, or a multitude and combination of related emotions.  It could also have brought emotions of anger.  However, what is more important is how the people chose to respond to this very real emotion they were feeling.  Were their hearts softened?  Hardened? Fortunately some asked Peter, " What are we to do, my brothers? "  That feeling of being cut to the heart moved the peoples' hearts to conversion.  It was most likely the work of the Holy Spirit se...