Hearts of the Fathers

With the spirit and power of Elijah, he will go before him to turn the hearts of fathers towards their children.
Lk1:17

Zechariah has a visitation from the Angel Gabriel who tells him he and his barren wife Elizabeth are to have a son. The son is to bring him great joy and be a prophet bringing many back to God.

John the Baptist's mission prophesied by the Angle Gabriel included turning the hearts of fathers back to their children. This echoes the prophesy of Malachi (Mal.4:6). It seems the turning of people back to God has among its first fruits fathers turning back to their children.

If there is a common denominator to the social ills of today it is the turning away of fathers from their children. Absent or abusive fathers are a common story for those in prison. Oh how we need the spirit and power of Elijah in our own time.

The fulfillment of all prophesy is Jesus. Where ever I can bring Jesus into the lives of people a first fruit will be fathers hearts turned back to their children. I think of Alpha and see with sharpened vision the need for this outreach and my role in it.

Jesus, help our parish Alpha Course gain traction. Send the leaders to help me lord that more may come to know you and your love.
Saint Philip Neri, please pray for me.