Solemnity of the Nativity of St. John the Baptist Jer 1:4-10 Ps 71:1-2, 3-4a, 5-6ab, 15ab and 17 1 Pt 1:8-12 Lk 1:5-17

Weekly Guide for Daily Prayer The Daily Reflections

We’ve all had those times where it just doesn’t seem like God is answering our prayers. We pray and pray and pray for him to heal a sick relative, give us the job we applied for, or to give us an "A" on that extremely difficult test we have to take. We have times where we hurt so much that we wonder if God is there. We have times when we feel so alone, we wonder if God is listening. We have times when we are so confused about where God is going with his plan that we wonder if we should believe anymore. Sometimes, we just want to run out into the streets and scream at God, asking why he has forsaken us.

But the fact of the matter is this: God does care. God’s plan for our life is so much bigger and more powerful than our mind can comprehend. Says the prophet Jeremiah in today’s first reading, “Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, before you were born I dedicated you, a prophet to the nations I appointed you” (Jeremiah 1:5). Surely the God who formed us in the womb, who knows how many hairs are on our head, also knows the purpose for our pain. He is answering our prayers- just according to his plan, not ours.

Today we celebrate the solemnity of the nativity of Saint John the Baptist. John’s father, Zechariah, exemplifies the trust we must have in God. He longed for a child, but his wife was barren and both were too old to bear children. However, his faith was strong. Upon burning incense in the sanctuary of the Lord, an angel said to him, “Do not be afraid, Zechariah, because your prayer has been heard. Your wife Elizabeth will bear you a son, and you shall name him John. And you will have joy and gladness, and many will rejoice at his birth, for he will be great in the sight of the Lord” (Luke 1:13).

Zechariah experienced years of unanswered prayers before he was gifted with a child. We are called to be like Zechariah. We must ask what we want, but pray for what is right. We must accept the way things are meant to be. There is a reason why we experience the pain, suffering, and anticipation, though it may not be clear. Even when we are feeling hurt, confused, and alone; when we question whether there is a God willing to intervene for us, we must trust that he will.