The Annunciation to Zechariah is also commemorated as Parents’ day. Zechariah and his wife Elizabeth were so “righteous before God” (Lk 1:6) that God blessed them with a child whom they were specifically instructed to name John which means “gift of God” to make it obvious that God has truly acknowledged and rewarded their righteousness.
In fact every child is a gift of God. But how many parents do realize this? In this precariously competitive world children usually get reduced to docile apparatus used to either fulfill the unfulfilled dreams of parents or the shallow expectations of the society.
Do we ever care, that like John, does the birth of our children bring joy to many? (Lk 1:14) Are they leading the world to repentance? (Lk 1:16). And most importantly are they great in the sight of the Lord? (Lk 1:15).
Let’s ponder over these questions this feast. Parenthood is truly a sacred vocation, one that not everyone is blessed with. So those who are blessed to be parents should make sure that they do not ruin the gift of God.
Blessed Feast!
Dayroyo Fr. Basil
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