John the Baptist Mission

advent, zechariah

This December, a series of daily Advent, devotional postings is running from December 1st to December 25th. Journey beside Mary, the Mother of God, as she waits for the birth of Jesus.

STRENGTH

Scripture: “A voice proclaims: In the wilderness prepare the way of the Lord! Make straight in the wasteland a highway for our God!” (Isaiah 40:3).

Quote of the day: “Evangelization is, very simply, proclaiming the good news of Jesus to those around us” (Archbishop Allen Vigneron, Unleash the Gospel).

Song Suggestions:
“The King is Coming,” by the Newsboys
“Prepare Ye,” from Godspell Soundtrack

Questions: How do I prepare the way for Jesus? Do I know what evangelization is?

MIND

Today, we return to the house of Zechariah in Beth Haccerem, Judea. Zechariah and Elizabeth have had a son! This is the eighth day since the child’s birth, whom they named John.

At the close of the day, Zechariah and Elizabeth are exhausted and have gone to rest in their wealthy limestone home. Mary, in one of the inner rooms, gets the pleasure of holding baby John. Mary delights in the soft warmth and life against her breast, also aware of the holy life in her womb. John and Jesus. Cousins!

Mary thinks of earlier today. As a sign of the covenant and as ritual custom, John was circumcised and named. Zechariah had been mute, as he had been since before his wife’s pregnancy. It was said that the Lord silenced his tongue after Zechariah experienced a vision.

When at the Temple for the ceremony, Elizabeth declared that the child’s name was to be John. All who gathered were surprised and told Elizbeth that the child should be named Zechariah after his father. If Zechariah could speak, surely, he would agree.

Yet, when they asked Zechariah, Zechariah wrote on a tablet, “John is his name.” In that instant, God opened Zechariah’s mouth and he was able to speak. He blessed God. Mary blessed God with him in her heart.

All present wondered what this little child would be, as the hand of the Lord was clearly upon him.

Mary smiles to herself, gently rocking John back and forth.

Cradling John in one arm, Mary puts her spare hand over her womb and speaks to both of the children, repeating the words that Zechariah spoke earlier that day.

“You, child,” Mary says, looking at John, “will be called the prophet of the Most High.” Her fingers gently tap her womb. “For you will go before the Lord to prepare his ways, to give His people knowledge of salvation through the forgiveness of their sins.”

Mary is not entirely sure what John will do to prepare the way for her son, but in trust, she says to her relative, “Make the paths straight, little John. You must testify to my Son. He is coming into the world and you must prepare the way for the King of Kings.” Mary removes the hand from her womb to stroke John’s soft head. “Because of the tender mercy of our God by which the daybreak from on high will visit us! To shine on those who sit in darkness and death’s shadow, to guide our feet into the path of peace.”

(Scripture Reference and Inspiration: Luke 1:57-79)

HEART

John was destined to prepare the way of the Lord. We too, as followers of Jesus are to prepare the way of the Lord. For His daily coming into our lives, the end of time, and whatever else we may be awaiting Him for.

This mission of John’s was not only relevant in the time of Jesus. It is still relevant today. We must tell people that Jesus is here—most especially in the Eucharist! It is our responsibility to proclaim that Jesus is alive and living among us.

You’ve been given a gift—you can’t keep it to yourself. You can’t hide the light; you must put it on a hill for all to see (John 3:34).

Now, this doesn’t mean we literally have to go into the streets and start yelling at the top of our lungs that Jesus is coming.

Instead, we must enter the new evangelization, that is, the proclamation of the Gospel in our modern era. As waiting involves preparation, evangelization is our means of preparing the way for Jesus.

Here are some ideas to join John the Baptist in his mission:

· Thank and praise God when conversing with others.
·  Let people know that you are praying for them and even ask to pray with them.
·  When necessary, tell people why you are joyful…the kingdom of heaven!
·  When you sin or do wrong, repent and apologize to God and others.
·  Compliment and encourage others. Bless them and recognize the gift of God in them.
·  Pray, pray, and pray! Mary shows us just how effective prayer is.
·  Perhaps you know the birthday feeling when everyone around you wishes you a happy birthday, makes you feel loved, and wants you to have an awesome day. Perhaps you have experienced something similar at a wedding or graduation party. Every day, treat all people you come in contact with as if this is their birthday/wedding day/special day for love and attention. Every day is their day to encounter God!

SOUL

“O Wisdom, O holy Word of God, you govern all creation with your strong yet tender care. Come show your people the way to salvation.” (December 17th Vespers Antiphon)

Star of the new evangelization,
Help us to bear radiant witness to communion,
Service, ardent and generous faith,
Justice and love of the poor,
That the joy of the Gospel
May reach to the ends of the earth, illuminating even the fringes of our world.
Mother of the living Gospel,
Wellspring of happiness for God’s little ones,
Pray for us.
Amen. Alleluia!” (Pope Francis, Evangelii Gaudium)

Mary, teach me how to wait.

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2 thoughts on “John the Baptist Mission”

  1. Pingback: Four Ways Men and Women Are Complementary to One Another, New Book: How and How Not to Be Happy, and More Great Links! - JP2 Catholic Radio

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