Join us as we reflect, ponder, and pray together inspired by today's Gospel.
Reflection by Kathy Mallery Schober
Today's Gospel: Luke 7:24-30
Jesus asks the crowds who flocked to John the Baptist,
“What did you go out into the desert to see?”
Knowing John, Jesus appears to joke with the crowd: Did you go to see someone easily swayed? Did you go to see someone finely dressed? Then Jesus hits the heart of the matter: Or did you go to see a prophet? Jesus declares that John is much more than just a prophet. John, announced by the prophets, is the very messenger of God who is to prepare the world for the messiah.
How does the person of John the Baptist help us prepare to receive the messiah this Advent?
When we first meet John, he is leaping in his mother’s womb. John’s joy signals to Elizabeth that Mary is indeed the mother of the Lord. John is already pointing to Jesus.
At John’s birth, the mute Zechariah bursts forth in song heralding his son as one who would give knowledge of salvation through forgiveness and because of Divine Mercy. John is to shine light so that we do not sit in darkness. He is to guide us toward peace.
In the wilderness, John directs us to change our ways and to be baptized. He instructs us to bear good fruit. He tells us to be honest. He tells us to be generous, to share with those who have less.
John points to Jesus and proclaims, “Behold the Lamb of God who takes away the sins of the world," encouraging others to follow Jesus.
Joy, knowledge, forgiveness, mercy, light, peace, repentance, good works, honesty, generosity, and evangelization - these are the messages from John to our hearts this Advent. Let us help John to prepare the way of the Lord by lovingly and prayerfully centering on these during this beautiful season.
Ponder:
What part of John’s message can I put into action today?
Pray:
Dear Jesus, help me to take John’s messages to heart this Advent. Fill me with Your Spirit and show me how to prepare Your way in the hearts of those I encounter today.
Copyright 2022 Kathy Mallery Schober
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