REFLECTION

Gospel

The Preaching of John the Baptist

In the fifteenth year of the reign of Tiberius Caesar, when Pontius Pilate was governor of Judea, and Herod was tetrarch of Galilee, and his brother Philip tetrarch of the region of Ituraea and Trachonitis, and Lysanias was tetrarch of Abilene,  during the high priesthood of Annas and Caiaphas, the word of God came to John the son of Zechariah in the desert.

John went throughout the whole region of the Jordan,  proclaiming a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins, as it is written in the book of the words of the prophet Isaiah:  

A voice of one crying out in the desert:

   “Prepare the way of the Lord, make straight his paths.

 Every valley shall be filled

    and every mountain and hill shall be made low.

    The winding roads shall be made straight,

    and the rough ways made smooth,

    and all flesh shall see the salvation of God.”

Luke 3: 1-6

Reflection

As we await the birth of Jesus the scripture readings shine with joyful anticipation and wise advice in words truly for our time: “Take off your robe of mourning and misery…” and “put on the splendor of glory from God forever.” Could these words apply not only to the coming Christ but to us as well?

Rejoice that you are remembered by God and may you advance secure in the glory of God. God is leading Israel (and us) in joy by the light of his glory with his mercy and justice for company. What a great foursome on the road!

And St. Paul: ” I am confident of this, that the one who began a good work in you will continue to complete it until the day of Christ Jesus.” (Thank God because I need all the help I can get!)

And Luke quotes Isaiah:  “Prepare the way of the Lord. All flesh shall see the salvation of God.” All flesh. Everyone. Every living breathing thing. (I think this means our beloved pets as well)

And the communion antiphon: --“behold the joy which comes to you from God.” (I resolve to dismiss my negative thoughts, worries about the future, and accept this gift of joy.)

The scripture readings for today give such hope, such consolation, such encouragement and joy – even elevating us to participation in God’s glory – for so we are meant to radiate his light, his love, his justice and mercy.

I am reminded of the well known quote of Thomas Merton:  “ There is no way of telling people that they are all walking around shining like the sun.”

Perhaps when you don your coat today you can imagine that God, looking at you with love, sees his glory, himself in you. And  walking along with you for company are his mercy and justice. What a wonderful gift to bring to all we meet this day – and every day.