Today, if you are Catholic you celebrate St. John the Baptist. It is not a Sunday or designated Holy Day. But I went to Mass anyway. Part of the reason was that, I learned, that in Portugal, after a whole week of celebrating Saints, St.John the Baptist's Celebration has fireworks at midnight. "It's like our Fourth of July"! I was told.
"John the Baptist, the priest said, "like us, is a child of God." I learned forward. There were only about 22 people at Mass, including the priest who spoke with an Irish accent. I wish more had heard his homily.
The priest explained, "John was a miracle to his mother and father." He did not have an easy life even after leaping in his mother's womb. Mary and Elizabeth were cousins, and you know the rest of their stories. If not, read the Gospels.
Seven years ago, I witnessed two expectant mothers, cousins by marriage, as they both exclaimed that their babies were moving around a lot as they were talking! We were at a baby shower. The babies lept! They are cousins!
So the priest reminded all of us, with no one under the age of 60 present, that we are children of God. He also said how important prayer is. God listens as we pray for others. He hears their names.
I talked to the priest after Mass about the celebration in Portugal.
So pray, God is the antidote to evil. He hears that you are praying, even for your enemies.
And mothers, take some advice from the priest and Carol King. Our children need our prayers in this fallen world.
Carol King: So glad you are a child of mine.
https://youtu.be/sxLVvluMRY8?is=aEB2wQ9tdAoVUtEx
Love,
Marian
June 24, 2026