On this Solemnity of the Birth of John the Baptist, Pope Leo has given us a few ideas to make our day and our week go better.
Pope Leo finishes the general audience each Wednesday with greetings to the particular language-groups that fill St. Peter's Square. These greetings, while bringing the cheers of those from each country, also provide another opportunity for the Pope to note the feast day, some local celebration, or a main theme from his meditation.
On this June 24, the Solemnity of the Birth of St. John the Baptist, his greetings ranged from reflections on the Eucharist (the theme of the audience) to the relaxation of summer and St. John's testimony and witness.
Here are some of the things he said:
1Peace in the family
Brothers and sisters, may we find in the Eucharist — the source of the Christian people’s unity — the strength we need to foster harmony and charity in our families and communities, which are often marked by conflict and division.
2Helping the world to believe
Dear brothers and sisters, on this Solemnity of the Nativity of Saint John the Baptist, we heed his call to convert to Christ, whom he recognized as the Lamb of God who takes away the sins of the world. Let us follow his example and prepare the way of the Lord, so that the world may believe in Christ, the Savior.
3See others with God's eyes
Just as Jesus told his disciples, I invite you to lift up your eyes to learn to see in people their desire for life, truth, and fulfillment (cf. Jn 4:35). May He also teach us to look at others through the eyes of God—that is, with love, respect, and compassion.
[Note, this greeting, given in Spanish, refers back to his trip to Spain this month, as he quotes the Gospel passage that was the theme for the trip.]
4Prepare for Mass!
I would like to advise everyone not to neglect your preparation for Mass: inwardly, through frequent confession; and, in turn, by silencing the noises that prevent us from hearing the Word of God.
5Let everything become prayer
We are called to celebrate the Eucharist at the Lord’s altar, and also in our daily lives, where we can offer everything as a sacrifice and an act of thanksgiving.
6Take advantage of your vacation!
Summer vacation is a time for rest and for discovering signs of God in the beauty of creation. Use this time to attend Mass more frequently, to meditate on the Word of God, to participate in retreats and pilgrimages, and to spend time with your loved ones. Let us also pray for young people, that they may make wise choices regarding schools and studies and discern their own vocation with prudence.
Below is the Pope's reflection at the audience:
