Gospel for December 13 2020 – John 1:6-8, 19-28
Gospel Reflections for December 13 2020
Make straight the way of the Lord
John the Baptist in today’s Gospel does exactly what the First Reading commands.
The First Reading from the Old Testament Book of Isaiah describes what the future Kingdom of God will look like and how it will come about by the actions of ordinary people like Isaiah.
The spirit of the Lord GOD is upon me, because the LORD has anointed me; he has sent me to bring glad tidings to the poor, to heal the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives and release to the prisoners, to announce a year of favor from the LORD, and a day of vindication by our God.
This kingdom looks like a great place! This passage was written by Isaiah at a time of intense persecution and suffering, and yet it is filled with the hope that comes from ordinary people spreading the good news of freedom and hope.
Isaiah did it in his day, John the Baptist did it in his day, and so must you in our time today. You actually are in a long line of prophets called by God who can choose to live and proclaim this message of hope.
There is much going on now that can create much sadness as the Isaiah passage indicates. People feel isolated and alone against an unseen virus and massive state mandated shutdown orders that so affect people’s livelihood and health. Even in the Gospel John feels that he is a lone voice crying out from the loneliness of a desert wasteland.
Nevertheless, nothing would stop John from proclaiming the love of God. Despite facing hills and valleys he made sure the message of salvation travelled a straight path to every soul.
Juan Diego lived in Mexico in the 16th century, also time of great turmoil. He revealed to the world the message of Our Lady of Guadalupe that we celebrated on Saturday, and that still remains a message that transcends all cultures. Mary’s image brought vast numbers of his people to Our Lord. That message still works miracles today.
You are called to live and proclaim this same positive message of love and hope now, even in the midst of political controversy and the threat of disease.
Our calling is to announce the glad tidings of Our Lord, and His enduring presence with us each and every day …no matter what is going on.
God Bless!
Fr. Dave
Fr. Dave provides hope and encouragement yet again – Thanks Fr.!
Thank you!
Dear Father Dave,
So true. Thank you for reinforcing God’s tremendous mercy and love.
God bless you.
Kathleen
You are welcome!
John the Baptist’s message is as relevant today as it was back then.
“Prepare the way of the Lord”…
If we are to make “Straight His paths” we need to push aside the boulders
that may be in the way, blocking the view, as we travel on the road to
His kingdom.
Yes, let nothing ever get in the way!
We are so blessed with a precious Faith and precious Jesus leading us!!! Love the thought that each one of us has to make a difference for our Jesus in our troubled world!!Let’s all of us bring light in the present darkness and live love and radiate that love and make the world beautiful in Jesus’ LOVE!!!Loveeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee it!!! We are so blessed and we are so blessed by you our Father Dave!!!A most beautiful Advent to you and everyone!!!
Loveeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee, Franca and Dick
Thank you!
Joyful Gaudete Sunday Blessings!
Gaudete!
Indeed we are called to be prophets and bring the message of our Lord Jesus and our Lady.
Yes, a noble profession to proclaim the Lord!
Fr Dave,
Thank you once again for reminding us of God’s grace & presence in this world , and, more importantly, what we can personally do to make things better. It’s so easy to feel discouraged & helpless.
God bless you for your wise counsel.
Sherrie Foster
You are very welcome!