Wednesday of the Fourth Week of Advent

Today’s Gospel: Luke 1:57-66

Optional Memorial of Saint John of Kanty, Priest

The story of John the Baptist’s birth is one of great mercy. Once again, God gives one of his people a chance to repent. After Zechariah loses his voice due to his questioning the angel about the “impossible” birth of his son, he is given the opportunity to show his faith and obedience to God by insisting that the child’s name will be John. When we look at our own lives, we see that life is full of choices. We can choose to obey God or to follow our own way. When we follow our own way, we are often met with many obstacles. In Zechariah’s case, he was unable to speak until the birth of John. However, when we follow God’s plan, the veil is often lifted in our lives. Just like Zechariah was able to speak again after his obedience, our lives are often blessed by our own obedience.

Ponder:

How have I lived my life today? Have I cooperated in God’s plan, or have I followed my own will?

Pray:

Dear Jesus, help me to follow your will in all things. If I fail and repent, please show your mercy as you did to Zechariah.

Jennifer Gladen is a children’s author who lives and writes in Pennsylvania. She is the author of A Star in the Night, Teresa’s Shadow, and Angel Donor through Guardian Angel Publishing. She contributes as a columnist at Catholic Mom and is a member of the Catholic Writers Guild (C.W.G.) and the S.C.B.W.I. She has written several children’s stories, poems and articles, and started her own Catholic e-zine titled My Light Magazine.

CatholicMom.com provides faith-filled daily resources for today’s families around the world. Visit www.CatholicMom.com for faith tools and activities, family life articles, book and movie reviews, and much more to serve your family in their spiritual journey.