Parents help to guide children in their callings

Every June 24, the Christian calendar observes the birthday of John the Baptist (Luke 1: 5-25). He is the third person, after Jesus and Mary His Mother, to receive such an honour. Jesus ranks to him greatest of prophets (Luke 7:28). We celebrate other saints’  feasts only on the day of their death, which is also considered their birthday in heaven. 
Considering his close link with the mission of the Messiah, John’s birth was a truly holy and wonderous event. Like that of Jesus, it had been announced by Angel Gabriel. His name was given him by the angel. He serves as the bridge between the Old and New Testaments. 
Like the great prophets before him, John spoke about the Messiah to come. He, however, lived to see those prophecies fulfilled. He had the privilege of baptising Jesus in the Jordan river; marking the beginning of Jesus’ public ministry and the dawning of the Messianic age. It is John who points to Jesus and identifies him as the Lamb of God who will take away the sins of the world (John 1:29). After that he left centre stage for his Master. 
Need for parents’ presence
John was given a mission, a vocation, while still a babe. But it would be many years before he would carry it out. John would have needed his mother, Elizabeth, and father, Zechariah, to teach the faith of his ancestors and his relationship with the people of Israel. 
The discernment by his parents was intensely undertaken by a long retreat. Elizabeth went into self-isolation and Zechariah was rendered temporarily numb, until the traditional occasion of naming the son. Inspired by the Holy Spirit, Zechariah could then, confidently pronounce his son’s name and vocation: “You, my son, will be called the prophet of God Most High. You will go ahead of the Lord to get everything ready for him.” (Luke 1:76).
This story may serve as a follow-up on Father’s Day, last Sunday. It underscores the role of father  and mother in the upbringing of a child in the ways of God.
 John is a name of special significance to all parents. It is derived from the Hebrew Yohanan, meaning “graced by God”. It informs parents that begetting children is not a right, but a gift from God, and for God’s purpose. They remain God’s children. 
It also helps parents to acknowledge the fact by virtue of their vocation, they are endowed with the needed gift of discernment for God’s plans or vocations of their children. 
The different callings
A person can have many different callings in life. In the Christian world view, everything we do should be ordered toward discerning and responding to the will of God, the ultimate good in an imperfect world (Colossians 3:17). 
Ordering our lives toward God’s desire is the way in which we get to heaven.  
Pray with the children to reveal the vocation
Parents need to show their children that they are truly interested in their life and their future careers. It is important for them to pray with their children and express a desire for God to reveal to them the vocation He has prepared for them. It is equally important to pray that the children make their own informed choices. 
“Vocations are born in prayer and from prayer, and only through prayer can they persevere and bear fruit,” said Pope Francis on World Day of prayer for vocations 2021.
 
Let children know
Parents are the greatest role models in all aspects of their children’s life, including religious formation. At baptism, parents commit to sharing their faith with their child while the parish community promises to support them. 
Parents should not let their plans or aspirations get in the way of their children. Parents should provide opportunities for their children to meet or read about people who responded to God’s call.

Note that…
During Jesus’ earthly ministry, Jesus was bold about welcoming others. We should keep that same welcoming attitude because that is a reflection of God. All of scripture is about how God welcomed all of humanity. If you are struggling to welcome someone into the church or are not sure how to welcome them, turn to the Bible and call on God for His guidance. You have no idea how your invitation or welcoming spirit could change someone’s life.