Dear brothers and sisters in Christ, as we gather for this Monday’s Mass, close to the joyous celebration of Christmas, our readings today remind us of the pivotal role played by Saint John the Baptist, a figure of profound significance in our faith. His life and mission illuminate the path toward Christ, embodying hope and expectation as we prepare to celebrate the Incarnation.
In the first reading from the prophet Malachi, we hear the promise of a messenger: "Lo, I am sending my messenger to prepare the way before me." This messenger is a divine promise—a precursor to the great day of the Lord. John is that messenger, and his mission is one of preparation, a call to the people to ready themselves for the coming of the Messiah who is likened to "the refiner's fire," emphasizing the purification required to bear witness to
the fullness of God’s love, which is made manifest in Jesus, and which purifies us from our sinful ways, preparing us throughout this lifelong journey to be able to enter into his presence forever.
John’s role is to proclaim the need for repentance and to point others to Christ, urging them to recognize the Lord's presence among them. Just as John was called to clear the way, we too are invited to prepare our hearts and lives to receive Christ anew. In this season of Advent, we have been reminded to examine our own paths and ask ourselves: What obstacles do we need to remove? What areas of our lives require God's refining fire? Like Israel, we are called to turn our hearts back to God, and John's call is a challenge for us to embrace those transformations. And this is beautiful for a number of reasons, but I think in terms of the hope it affords us, if young people can see that adults too can change, well then they themselves may embark on more virtuous paths of living. No one is beyond God’s sanctification.
The psalm today echoes this sentiment beautifully, urging us to lift our heads and see our redemption drawing near, for in moments of darkness and despair, there is a light that shines through—Jesus Christ, who comes to save us. John the Baptist embodies this hope, as he heralds that light, guiding us toward the promise of God's mercy and salvation. As we pray that he guides us in his truth and teaches us, we ask the Lord to instill in us a spirit of humility, allowing us to discern our own needs for change and growth.
In the Gospel reading from Luke, we witness the miraculous birth of John. His name, given by God through the faith of his parents, signifies 'the Lord is gracious.' Even at his birth, we see the stirrings of joy and amazement among the people, who recognize that John's life is intricately tied to God's unfolding promise. As he grows, John will boldly proclaim, "I am the voice of one crying in the wilderness, 'Make straight the way of the Lord!'" This powerful proclamation sets the stage for the ministry of Jesus and highlights the urgency and importance of John's mission.
Today, as we draw closer to Christmas, let us reflect on the importance of preparing ourselves for the Lord. John's example teaches us the value of humility, service, and proclamation of the truth. He did not seek glory for himself, but rather pointed others towards Christ, the true light of the world. In this season of giving, may we be inspired to embody John's spirit—choosing to serve others, to seek reconciliation in our relationships, and to extend our gaze outwards, beyond ourselves, to those in need.
As we approach the celebrations of Christmas, let us ask the Mother of God to continue to pray for us, our families, and especially those who are struggling enormously in some way. As she carried Jesus in her loving arms two-thousand years ago, and offered him to the world, she offers him to us during Mass, for it is the same Christ, her Son, who comes to us each therein. May he be praised always. Amen.
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