Nativity of Saint John the Baptist

“From this man's descendants God, according to his promise,has brought to Israel a savior, Jesus.John heralded his coming by proclaiming a baptism of repentanceto all the people of Israel” Act 13:23-24

This is a day that is marked by celebrations not only in Québec, but all over the world, be it in the Philippines or the country that counts among its citizens the single-biggest Catholic community anywhere on the globe: Brazil.

Whether you call it La Saint-Jean-Baptiste, San Juan Bautista, or Sao Joao, the message from Jesus’ maternal cousin remains the same: repentance.

John, like Jesus, preached at a time of political, social, and religious conflict. And the celebration of his nativity heralds his proclaiming of the coming of the Light during dark times in this world.

Since repentance is the precursor to forgiveness, it seems only fitting that the maternal cousin of God’s only son play this role.

As I shared in my previous blog, it took a simple statement of apology to bring me back into the Catholic church. Again I must emphasize the surprise I felt at the degree to which I experienced a huge relief and comfort from those three words, “I am sorry”, and I was happy to forgive and put old grievances behind me.

As I have also shared in earlier blogs, mine has been a particularly bellicose divorce and I have struggled in trying to figure out how to reconcile with the mother of my sons. I am prepared to offer forgiveness and reconciliation but my offers have been rebuffed.

I have wracked my brains trying to figure out ways to ease the tension and animosity, if for nothing else for the sake our sons. I frequently turn to Romans 12:14-20 for guidance.

“Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse. Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn. Live in harmony with one another. Do not be proud, but be willing to associate with people of low position. Do not be conceited. Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everybody. If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone. Do not take revenge, my friends, but leave room for God's wrath, for it is written: "It is mine to avenge; I will repay," says the Lord. On the contrary: ‘If your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink. In doing this, you will heap burning coals on his head’.” Romans 12:14-20