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When the time arrived for Elizabeth to have her child
she gave birth to a son.
Her neighbors and relatives heard
that the Lord had shown his great mercy toward her,
and they rejoiced with her.
When they came on the eighth day to circumcise the child,
they were going to call him Zechariah after his father,
but his mother said in reply,
“No. He will be called John.”
But they answered her,
“There is no one among your relatives who has this name.”
So they made signs, asking his father what he wished him to be called.
He asked for a tablet and wrote, “John is his name,”
and all were amazed.
Immediately his mouth was opened, his tongue freed,
and he spoke blessing God.
Then fear came upon all their neighbors,
and all these matters were discussed
throughout the hill country of Judea.
All who heard these things took them to heart, saying,
“What, then, will this child be?”
For surely the hand of the Lord was with him.
The child grew and became strong in spirit,
and he was in the desert until the day
of his manifestation to Israel.
On this Feast of the Birth of Saint John the Baptist, we hear the end of the narrative concerning his father, Zachariah, who had gone mute because he was afraid that the Lord could not bless him with a child at such an old age. This lack of faith prevented Zacchariah, a priest, from proclaiming the word of God as he normally would. His capacity to carry out part of his vocation and calling was stripped from him because of his fear.
Why did it take so long for his voice to be restored? I’m certain Zachariah said many prayers asking for his voice back sooner. Why now? I offer this: it is not just our words, but our actions that are our response to God’s will for our lives. It was in Zachariah’s active response to God’s will, by naming his son John, that his voice was restored and he was once again able to proclaim God’s word.
So when we find ourselves praying, asking the Lord to help us do his will, share the gospel, carry out our vocation, or love others better, and it seems as though we just can’t get it right, we should ask ourselves if our actions reflect the faith we claim to have: are we living as though God is capable of changing us? Do we have faith that he is greater than our failures, shortcomings, and imperfections?
When we are tempted to think that we will never change, that our current circumstance will never get better, or that we are not capable of doing what God is calling us to do, that is an opportunity to take a step back, ask the Lord for mercy, call on the Holy Spirit to work through us, and then take a step of faith. Trust as though the Lord is capable of overcoming whatever obstacle we face.
O Lord God, we are introduced for the first time to the one who will become the predecessor of Jesus the Savior, the great John the Baptist. Jesus will later describe him as the one who will introduce the kingdom of God to Israel and suffer death for his fiery speech. Help us in turn to speak truthfully and forcefully, as John did, for the truths in which we believe. This we ask through Christ our Lord. Amen.
A PODCAST BY FAITH ND
Prof. Margaret Pfeil
Season 11 concludes with Prof. Margaret Pfeil, including her long-time commitments of living at the local Catholic Worker community, advocating for peace, and seeking justice for all of God’s people.
Fr. Lou DelFra, CSC
Fr. Lou DelFra, CSC, shares the moments that eventually led him to a vocation in religious life and priesthood, along with a specific ministry of forming aspiring Catholic teachers.
Avis Boyd
We continue this season with Avis Boyd, a longtime volunteer and alumna of Notre Dame, as she shares her perspective on moving through life with purpose, conviction, and a deep faith, even in the face of adversity.
Tim and Lindsay Will
Meet Tim and Lindsay Will, two graduates of the Alliance for Catholic Education program, who help us contemplate the meaning of loss, love, and the family ties that bind us to one another.
Dr. Andrew McShane
Hear the story of Dr. Andrew McShane, Director of the Notre Dame Liturgical Choir, as he reflects on a vocation that took shape over time through beautiful music, unexpected loss, and the lasting example of others.
Nan Tulchinsky
Sit courtside with Nan Tulchinsky, a longtime scorekeeper for Notre Dame Women’s and Men’s Basketball, as she shares stories of her remarkable life of dedication to her family, local community, and Catholic faith.
Bishop Bob Lombardo, CFR
We begin a new season with Bishop Bob Lombardo, CFR, Auxiliary Bishop of Chicago, as he shares his path towards religious life and priesthood, co-founding a new expression of Franciscan life, and the unexpected calling of a new ministry.
Veronica Alonzo
We complete this season by speaking with Veronica Alonzo, Associate Superintendent for the Dallas Catholic Schools, about discovering meaning in personal loss, her vocation as an educator, and perspectives on Catholic education.
Dr. Jim O’Connell
Walk the streets of Boston with Dr. Jim O’Connell as he describes his long path to a medical career and the surprising, longstanding vocation of serving others through the Boston Healthcare for the Homeless Program.
Lisa Orchen
Lisa Orchen details her calling to ministry in the Church and how that has changed over the years as the demands of life have shifted, always requiring continual discernment of God’s will.
Jessica Mannen Kimmet
Explore the themes of motherhood with Jessica Mannen Kimmet, a musician and author, who has written a book with the intention of helping mothers who are experiencing similar crosses to ones she has carried.
Fr. Bill Lies, CSC
Journey with Fr. Bill Lies, CSC, Provincial Superior of the U.S. Province of Priests and Brothers for the Congregation of Holy Cross, as he offers stories of his family, vocational call, and perspective from various leadership positions.
Jeremy and Molly Aranda
Meet Molly and Jeremy Aranda, a married couple who describe the many ups and downs of life, including challenging pregnancies, financial strain, and sickness, all while striving to remain faithful to God’s calling in their lives.
Patrick Garry
Patrick Garry, author of The Power of Gratitude, shares the stories and the lifelong lessons of his parents, Michael and Elizabeth Garry, whose lives were marked by sacrifice for others and giving thanks in all circumstances.
Lisa Hendey
We conclude this season with Lisa Hendey, founder of Catholicmom.com, as she describes her spiritual journey, which has included being a wife and mother, a Catholic writer and content producer, and recently, someone bearing the cross of breast cancer.
Alex Jones
Alex Jones, co-founder and CEO of Hallow, shares the inspiring story of the struggle and growth of his spiritual life, eventually leading to the creation of one of the most well-utilized Catholic apps in the world today.
Meghann Kirzeder
Hear the perspective of Meghann Kirzeder, a wife, mother, and musician, whose life has taken some unexpected turns as she cares for her beautiful children, including three with significant special needs.
Fr. Nate Wills, CSC
Grab a sideline view with Fr. Nate Wills, CSC, as he provides a glimpse into his life as a religious priest, a Catholic educator and researcher, and the chaplain to the Notre Dame Football team.
Josh and Stacey Noem
Reflect back on 25 years of marriage with Josh and Stacey Noem, two Notre Dame graduates who have lived their vows through children, career changes, and the daily decisions that constitute a life of love together.
Sr. Gregory Healy, OSB
Journey with Sr. Gregory Healy, OSB, a Benedictine nun who has discovered God’s calling in life through the beauty of music, the wonder of creation, and the holy example of others.
Cardinal Patrick D’Rozario, CSC
Cardinal Patrick D’Rozario, CSC begins season 9 as he tells us about his life as a religious priest, bishop, and cardinal. He also shares details of the holy life of Servant of God Theotonius Ganguly, CSC, who could be the first Notre Dame graduate canonized a Catholic saint.
Sister Michaela Martinez, OP
For our final episode this season, we listen to Sister Michaela Martinez, OP, as she reflects on her call to religious life, God’s fidelity to her, and how she finds joy in all things.
Deacon Harold Burke-Sivers
Hear the stories of Deacon Harold Burke-Sivers ’88, a well-known Catholic speaker, author, and evangelist, who offers his perspective on discernment, forgiveness, prayer, and trusting in God’s plan.
Dr. John Cavadini
Dr. John Cavadini shares some of the hidden aspects of his vocation as a husband, father, and teacher, encouraging us to seek holiness in the ordinary, seemingly unremarkable moments of our lives.
We welcome you to submit your prayers for yourself and others. A volunteer will offer them on your behalf at the Grotto, where a candle representing all prayer requests remains perpetually lit.
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