Fourth Thursday of Advent

You, my child, shall be called the prophet of the Most High, for you will go before the Lord to prepare his way, to give his people knowledge of salvation by the forgiveness of their sins. In the tender compassion of our God the dawn from on high shall break upon us, to shine on those who dwell in darkness and the shadow of death, and to guide our feet into the way of peace.

We are all called to be prophets and to prepare the way of the Lord and bring the good news of salvation to others. We do this by following the inspirations of the Holy Spirit, living lives in imitation of Jesus, and giving glory to the Father for the great things He has done for us. We also do this by speaking comforting words to those in need of them and acting with compassion for all God’s children. In a way, we are the first fingers of dawn, heralding the radiant love of God for our families, friends, and neighbors. And if we do God’s Will and become instruments of His shining graces, then we will be like lamps in the darkness of the world, bearing the light of the gospels wherever we go.

 Are we preparing ourselves to be prophets of the Good News? Are we lights of God’s love in the darkness of the world? How can we become better prophets to God’s children?

O Lord, give us the grace to be prophets of your word. Guide our feet onto the way of your peace.

Amen.