Birthday of Saint John the Baptist

From the desk of Fr. Ignatius Waters, cp

Sunday, 24th June 2018

When Elizabeth heard Mary’s greeting, the child leaped in her womb and Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit. She exclaimed, “As soon as the sound of your greeting reached my ears, the baby in my womb leaped for joy” (Luke 1:43)

I would love to gaze for ages on a large version of this painting and ponder its meaning as Mary pondered in her heart on all that was happening in her and around her.  Maybe you could find some quiet time this week to gaze on and ponder this moment when the baby in Elizabeth’s womb (not yet named John) leaped for joy when he sensed the presence of Jesus in Mary’s womb. How does your heart respond to this image? What thoughts, what feelings does it evoke? What does it say to our times? What does it say about our recent Referendum? You must find the thoughts and the words for yourself this week. Well, not all by yourself because God’s Spirit is always teaching us through all that we experience, the good and the bad.

May that same Spirit fill us with joy and help us face the future with confidence and hope.