Today we celebrate the Nativity of John the Baptist. John, the cousin of Jesus is a miracle baby born to elderly Zechariah and Elizabeth, who thought they were too old to have a child. Sometimes new life surprises us and we can only respond with awe and gratitude. Let us pray this day for new life for the world, our community, our church and ourselves.
John the Baptist was a prophet. What is a prophet? Well, the only thing that prophets have in common is that they have been sent, and the mission on which they are sent is not theirs, nor is the power theirs that gives them strength and patience and courage and makes them indifferent to the opinions of other people – not because they are sure they are right, but because only the message matters and rightness and wrongness, as the world judges these things, are irrelevant. They do not require the vindication of being heard or of visible results. The success of the mission, even, is less important than carrying it out, though they grieve because others cannot hear the voice that they hear.
Friday is the Solemnity of Saints Peter and Paul. It is on this day that the Pope and a few other high church officials receive the pallium. The pallium is an ancient liturgical vestment worn only by the Pope and a very few other high church officials on whom the Pope bestows it as a symbol of the jurisdiction delegated to them. In honor of Saints Peter and Paul, today is the day of the liturgical year on which these officials receive this symbol of their office. In its current form it is a narrow band of white lamb’s wool from sheep raised by Trappist monks, looped and draped over other liturgical vestments. The pallium is a reminder of the serious duty placed on the shoulders of the highest church leaders. Pray today they that may fulfill their offices wisely, faithfully, and with compassion.
We are hosting the regional Fourth of July Mass here at Holy Cross at 9:00 AM. Patriotic prelude music will begin at 8:45 AM. There will be a special recognition of all the branches of the military. There will be a reception following the Mass. All are welcome to join us for a wonderful celebration in honor of our country’s 236th birthday!
Our Responsorial Psalm this week, "I praise you, for I am wonderfully made," reminds us to offer thanks to God for bringing each us into being.
