"Timing is everything" is a saying that seems to fit in many situations of life.  It also correlates, at times, with the Church's calendar.  That is truly the case with the solemnity of the Birth of St. John the Baptist which the Church celebrates every June 24.  It's celebration, coming inthe first days of the Fortnight for Freedom (June 24-July 4), has much to say about the ministry of St. John the Baptist who boldly proclaimed in public, the message of conversion, and of preparation for the coming of the Messiah.  Many tried to silence the voice and witness of John, including Herod who imprisoned him and ultimately had him beheaded. John stood tall and strong to the end for the truth, and so should we in all the ways of the Lord, and in the right of all people to practice and live out the tenants of their faith.

We should be inspired by John and ask for his intercession for ourselves and for our country at a time when some of our religious freedoms are being threatened.  In celebrating the birth of John the Baptist who "stirred in his mother's womb," we should continue to do what we can so that all pregnant women will be stirred with joy at the child in their womb and will be encouraged to care for that child before and after he is born.

Once again, and always, our voices should resonate for the right of all children to live inside and outside of their mother's womb and like John, grow in the spirit throughout their lives.