St. John the Baptist is a prominent figure in today’s Gospel. In fact, John is a well-known figure during Advent. He played a pivotal role in preparing Israel for the coming of the Messiah through his call to repentance and conversion. He didn’t mince words. You could say that he administered “tough love.” His words were not empty. He called everyone to conversion. No one was exempt. He also practiced what he preached. He was humble, acknowledging that Jesus is the One who must increase, not John. He lived a simple lifestyle, remaining unattached to those material things that only complicate life.
Like John the Baptist, we are also asked to make ready the way of the Lord. While John prepared Israel for Christ’s redemptive mission, we are called to announce the presence of Christ in our midst by example. John proclaimed that “the kingdom of heaven is at hand!” (Mt 3:2), but we are called to show its reality. To live in the kingdom of heaven requires detachment from the things of this world and placing God at the center of our lives. Then, as St. Paul noted, “It is no longer I who lives, but Christ lives in me” (Gal 2:20). This is the life to which we are invited by that voice in the wilderness. Let us use this season of grace to reflect on those areas of our life that must be “tidied” in advance of the coming of our newborn King. Maranatha, Lord Jesus!
Sister Marcella Louise Wallowicz, CSFN
