The word of God came to John the son of Zechariah in the desert. Our gospel begins with a list of the political and religious leaders of Jesus’s day. The Word of God did not come to these powerful leaders. The Word of God did not come to the large cities or population centers either. Rather, the Word came to the humble John the Baptist in the desert. Only the people who went into the desert heard the message from God’s prophet, John the Baptist.
The season of Advent invites us to not get caught up in the hustle and bustle of the holiday season. Advent is about following the message of St. John the Baptist – to turn away from sin. In Lk3:8, a few verses after today’s gospel, John the Baptist tells us: “Do those things that will show that you have turned away from sins.”
Advent is an invitation to conversion. St. Paul reminds us that conversion is a journey. I am confident of this, that the one who began a good work in you will continue to complete it until the day of Christ Jesus.
We began Advent last week focusing on the second coming of Jesus and this week shifted to the messenger, John the Baptist who prepares the way for the coming of Jesus for the people of his day. Jesus comes to us at each Mass, through the Sacred Scriptures and in the most Holy Eucharist. How prepared are we to meet Jesus in the Word and Sacrament? How prepared are we to meet Jesus when he comes to us in the least of our brothers and sisters? We entrust our preparation to Mary, the Mother of God – may she lead always closer to Jesus!
May God bless us all always!
Deacon Mike