Second Thursday of Advent

Amen, I say to you, among those born of women there has been none greater than John the Baptist; yet the least in the Kingdom of heaven is greater than he. From the days of John the Baptist until now, the Kingdom of heaven suffers violence, and the violent are taking it by force. All the prophets and the law prophesied up to the time of John. And if you are willing to accept it, he is Elijah, the one who is to come. Whoever has ears ought to hear.

In a way, we are all called to be John the Baptist in our lives. We are asked by God to become prophets of Jesus’ life, teachings, and sacrifice. This is not an easy task. Others will oppose us, but it is a necessary step along the way to our salvation. If our lives do not proclaim the coming of the Lord, then what good are they? We shall have nothing to show for our lives if we do not fast, pray, proclaim, and evangelize as John did, though a life of example to those around him. So let us be beacons on a hill, voices in the wilderness, giving glory to God and preparing the way of the Lord into the hearts of others.

Are we willing to be prophets of the gospel of Christ? What have we done to proclaim the kingdom of heaven in our lives and the lives of others? Have we prepared the way of God into our hearts and the hearts of others?

O Lord, make us into prophets of your love, mercy, and grace.

Amen.