girl

Last Thursday, my daughter gave birth to a beautiful baby girl.  Our three grandsons now have a new little sister/cousin to win their hearts.

In our homily yesterday, on the Feast of St. John the Baptist, Father reminds us that John, and all of us, and of course, new baby girl Delphine were created by God.

For thou didst form my inward parts, thou didst knit me together in my mother's womb.

And all that knew of John (and you and me and Baby Girll), wondered.  What, indeed?  And now, small baby, what then will you be?

"...and all who heard them laid them up in their hearts, saying, "What then will this child be?" For the hand of the Lord was with him. And the child grew and became strong in spirit, and he was in the wilderness till the day of his manifestation to Israel.

I know that you will become strong in spirit.  And will do great things like slay dragons or raise a family.  And you will go out in the wilderness, because it's all wilderness, baby.  We slash our trails and carve our paths and find our ways and build our lives in our own personal wilderness.  And we will all be near you, to love and support you and catch you when you fall.  And help you negotiate the escalator for the first time.  Your wilderness will have a few modern conveniences.  Besides escalators.  Refrigerators.  Kraft Dinner. Clothing that is more comfortable than John's was.

But it will be your path in your wilderness. 

And I know you will be ready because you have your alligator jammies on.  Welcome, little love.