Which is a greater reflection of my calling to live as a #child of God, embracing an O Emmanuel life—living in relationship with Jesus here and now rather than merely believing in a historical Jesus❓ Is it spending these final days of Advent on a pilgrimage to the new Buc-ee’s in Amarillo, or desiring that the Mass at St. Mary’s Cathedral concludes not with thanks to the priests, but with a heartfelt, “Thanks be to God,” as a fitting bookend to the new life first poured out in the waters of Baptism, and a reminder of my call to care for creation as expressed in On Care for Our Common Home❓
Gospel
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.”
This question invites me to reflect on what it truly means to live as a “child” of God, embracing the gift of Baptism and the ongoing call to relationship with Christ. In Baptism, water poured over a child’s body signifies new life and a profound identity rooted in God’s love. Yet, living out that identity requires more than ritual; it calls for daily choices that reflect faith, humility, and care for others.
As a “child” of God, I am challenged to discern how my actions express my faith. Advent reminds me of the importance of preparation—not just for Christmas, but for the coming of Emmanuel in my heart. Whether I focus on worldly pursuits, like visiting a place of earthly interest, or seek deeper spiritual engagement, such as expressing gratitude to God at the conclusion of Mass, reflects the priorities of my heart.
…ten years from now that “child” may be so Market driven and Market analytic driven that they may say hey Mom Dad you know I know…
On Care for Our Common Home calls me to recognize that my Baptism is not only about personal salvation but also about living in harmony with creation. Like a child learning from a parent, I must learn from God how to care for the world entrusted to us, seeing all of life as interconnected. This care begins with gratitude for God’s gifts and extends outward to others and creation itself.
Ultimately, I must ask myself: Am I living as a “child” of God, striving to bring His light into the world, or am I allowing distractions to obscure my purpose❓ Each decision, each moment of gratitude, and each act of care speaks to my identity and answers the question:
Water poured over the body of a child in Baptism is a sign of new life.
From paragraph 235 of ENCYCLICAL LETTER LAUDATO SI’ OF THE HOLY FATHER FRANCIS ON CARE FOR OUR COMMON HOME