Fires on the Hillside: Family Reflection Video

By: Father Willy Raymond, C.S.C. on June 24th, 2020

Fires on the Hillside: Family Reflection Video

On the hillsides in Lebanon, Quebec, and France, bonfires light up the night on the feast of Saint John the Baptist. Let's reflect on the great precursor’s gift to us, and our response as missionary disciples.

John the Baptist is one of only three persons in the scriptures whose birth we celebrate with a solemnity, after Jesus and Mary. On birthdays, it’s good to recognize the dignity of an unrepeatable child of God blessed with unique talents and gifts. In some manner, every person can be called the best in the eyes of God.

Friends, the life of John the Baptist offers valuable lessons for every missionary disciple of the Lord, for every baptized Christian, for you and me:

God does not guarantee an easy or safe life for those who serve Him;
Doing what God desires is the most excellent possible life investment;
Standing for the truth is more important than life itself.

In our families, parents can give their children a precious gift by passing on these lessons to their children

Saint John the Baptist, pray for our families! Amen.

Father Willy's inspirational homily was recorded live this morning during Mass at the Father Peyton Center. Please view the video on our Facebook page. (You don't need a Facebook account to view.)
To view Rosary prayer and Mass streaming live, please visit our Facebook page at 11:30 am EDT, Monday – Friday. Please invite your loved ones to join us too! (You don't need a Facebook account to view.)

About Father Willy Raymond, C.S.C.

Father Wilfred J. Raymond, C.S.C. (Father Willy), a native of Old Town, Maine, is the eighth of 12 children. He joined the Congregation of Holy Cross in 1964 and was ordained to the priesthood in 1971. He earned a bachelor’s degree in philosophy from Stonehill College in 1967 and a master’s in Theology from the University of Notre Dame in 1971. He served in ministry at Stonehill College (1979-1992), Holy Cross leadership (1994-2000), National Director of Family Theater Productions, Hollywood (2000-2014), and President of Holy Cross Family Ministries (2014-2022). In addition to English, he is conversant in French and Spanish. He remains a diehard fan of the Boston Red Sox, even though he has served as Chaplain for the Los Angeles Dodgers.