Scripture readings for today's reflection can be found at Friday of the Fourth Week of Advent | USCCB
In our gospel for today we hear of the nativity of
John the Baptist, the pre-curser to the Lord. We hear of the people surrounding
John and his parents with the question, “What, then, will this child be?”
Further, the gospel concludes with “For surely the hand of the Lord was with him.”
John had a prominent role in our salvation history. He
was always the one that recognized that Jesus was Lord and Savior. During
Mary’s Visitation to Elizabeth, we hear of John moving with joy in Elizabeth’s
womb once Mary, now carrying Jesus in her womb, approached Elizabeth. On the
banks of the Jordan, when John sees Jesus’ approach, he says the words that we
hear at every mass as the priest holds up the consecrated Host, “Behold the
Lamb of God, behold him who takes away the sins of the world.”
John’s whole life and ministry was that of humble service
to God and pointing out that Jesus is the savior of the world. Further, John
was always willing to speak the truth in how people should live out their lives
according to the commandments of God. He was even willing to die for the truth
when he spoke to Herod against the sin of adultery that Herod was committing
with his brother’s wife. As a result, Herod had John beheaded.
We are all called to live out our lives as Christians in
the same way that John lived out his life: always pointing towards the truth
and that Jesus Christ is Lord and Savior. As Catholic Christians we are called
to live out the Commandments of God and the precepts of the Church in a way
that is reflective of our faith in Jesus Christ. We are to attend Mass every Sunday and Holy
Days of Obligation, and we are called to make regular use of the Sacrament of
Confession in order to be cleansed of any sinfulness we may have on our souls.
By living out our lives in this way, in true obedience to Jesus Christ, we will
be pointing others towards Him and be an example of what it means to be a Child
of God. It will not always be easy, but it’s what we are called to do.
During this Christmas season and throughout the New
Year, let us always be willing to point others to Jesus by saying, “Behold the
Lamb of God, behold him who takes away the sins of the world.”
It is not always easy. Perhaps, it is almost always hard, and a challenge. Only with the love of the Father and the son, and the guidance of the Holy Spirit, is that we are able to endure. Thanks Deacon!
ReplyDeleteFrom Arlene B. Muller:
ReplyDeleteLike St. John the Baptist we also are called to "go before the LORD to prepare His way, to give people knowledge of salvation by forgiveness of their sins." Obviously not literally or historically like St. John the Baptist, because the LORD has already come & fulfilled his earthly mission. But to be a witness for the LORD, primarily by the way we live our lives & then by our words. We might be the first GOSPEL someone might ever read. So we prepare the way for the LORD to come into the lives of others & help prepare for His Second Coming.
As St. Peter wrote, we must always be ready to share the reason for our hope & joy & the way we live & we must do it with gentleness & respect.
Another challenge that St. John the Baptist had was to know how to step back & to ensure that he brought attention to the LORD & did not make himself the focus. That takes humility. His role was as ours is, to point others to JESUS & not to ourselves & not get caught up with seeking affirmation & admiration for himself. That is not easy. I know that I love to be affirmed & admired & I have to keep that in balance.
When Our LORD inaugurated His public ministry St. John the Baptist realized that he was the friend of the groom & JESUS was the bridegroom & he not only had to step back but he also rejoiced. Wow! I personally have to struggle inwardly & privately with the twinge of sadness, competitiveness & be truly happy when someone else gets to shine! The great example of St. John the Baptist's humility is found in his words "He must increase & I must decrease." So our challenge is to step back & let others shine & primarily to make sure we are allowing Our LORD to shine through us so that people see beyond us to the LORD we know, love & serve.