I just returned from a short (but wonderful!) trip to Georgia. I had received an email from a high school religion teacher, who had shown our documentary film, PRAY, about the life and mission of Father Peyton. Her tenth grade students were so moved by the film, that they decided to organize a Rosary Rally...
The students were looking for some support from our ministries, and when I heard that I was amazed and said to myself, "I've got to go to this event!"
It was this past weekend; I went not knowing much, really, about what to expect.
The school, St. John Bosco Academy, was organized only about 10 years ago by founders who simply wanted to live as Catholic families and give their children an education they believed in; and the school has grown quickly to about 600 students.
I found myself in a wonderful community. Beautiful families. Not fanatics, not judgmental; just very nice people!
They are a part of this school community because they want to live the love, unity, and true freedom of Christ. The wonder.
The 15 or so kids of this class were great. When I arrived, I found myself hearing confessions in a short retreat. It was great to meet such good kids: they had normal struggles like we all do; but they were so joyful and awake. They love Jesus and want to be the people He wants them to be.
Then the Rosary Rally the next night. It was simple, really, but it was so beautiful. About 300 people. We sang. There were some testimonies. The kids spoke from their hearts. I talked about Father Peyton and his mission. We prayed. It was amazing and full of grace.
We celebrate the Birth of John the Baptist today. "John" means "Graced by God."
His father Zechariah insists that this is his name, given by the Angel Gabriel.
All are amazed.
The Angel had called Mary, "Full of Grace." The Power of the Holy Spirit had come over her.
She brought Jesus to John and Elizabeth and they were filled with the Spirit.
Zechariah says John’s name and he is filled with the Spirit. Celebrating the birth of the Forerunner of the Christ we are called to amazement and wonder. God is gracious. Emmanuel, God is with us. Jesus’ name means "God Who Saves."
Grace and joy came over Zechariah and Elizabeth’s family that day so that grace and joy may come over your family too!
It’s summer now, in the northern parts of the world, and vacation time. It is a time of the year when nature sings and shows God’s beauty and grace.
Wherever you may be, open your heart and your home to God, who is with us and saves us.
With Our Lady and with Saint John you too are GRACED BY GOD. Open your heart to WONDER!
