A Reflection on The Second Reading for June 24, 2018: The Solemnity of The Nativity of Saint John The Baptist

Acts 13:22-26

22And when he had removed him, he raised up David to be their king; of whom he testified and said, `I have found in David the son of Jesse a man after my heart, who will do all my will.' 23Of this man's posterity God has brought to Israel a Savior, Jesus, as he promised. 24Before his coming John had preached a baptism of repentance to all the people of Israel. 25And as John was finishing his course, he said, `What do you suppose that I am? I am not he. No, but after me one is coming, the sandals of whose feet I am not worthy to untie.' 26"Brethren, sons of the family of Abraham, and those among you that fear God, to us has been sent the message of this salvation.

Take a moment to think about the people you’ve encountered who have amazed you with the absolute joy they radiate. Think about those who have shown pure love and care for you--those who have made you feel known and accepted.

The pure love you experience through others is that of God. It is so beautiful when others do works simply for the glory of God, and not for self-praise. When these people do good works, they say to look to Jesus rather than themselves for thanks. These people are like John The Baptist in this reading. He does what God wishes without expectation of glorification. Others see that God radiates through him--so much so that he reminds the people it is not he who is the saviour. John reminds them that there is one higher than him--that not even he is worthy of untying the thong of His sandals. It is such a blessing to encounter those who radiate God’s love; who find their identity in Jesus--doing good deeds only for God’s glory.

It has been a prayer of mine for quite a few years now that each day I have the strength to love others as God loves. The love that God has for each of us is so pure and unwavering; a kind of love that is so difficult to give. To be able to love someone through the times they have let you down or have hurt you is a large task.

Personally, I have experienced God’s love through many people in my church family. However, one individual that particularly stands out to me is an 11 year-old girl that I have had the great blessing of getting to know. This young lady is so mature in her faith, and she never ceases to amaze me with her concern for others. Equally amazing is the love that she has for those around her. Every Sunday after mass she runs over to give me a big hug and I know that she truly cares about me when she asks me how I am and how my week has been. She allows God to shine through her for others to see. That is one of the things that makes her such a beautiful young lady. I am so thankful to be able witness her “yes” to God.

I pray that I may have the steadfast trust that David has in God as he carries out all of His wishes. By trusting in God, we surrender all of our fears and anxieties to Him. Although I sometimes find it difficult to do, trusting fully in God gives me a sense of peace and can be the most freeing experience. ​

​Megan Noye

"It is such a blessing to encounter those who radiate God’s love; who find their identity in Jesus--doing good deeds only for God’s glory."   
​-   Megan Noye (Ora Reflections)