Lk 7:24-30
Behold, I am sending my messenger ahead of you,
he will prepare your way before you.
The reading for today preaches not only about the importance of listening to God’s messenger, John the Baptist, but also the simplicity of his teaching. John (and Jesus) do not “dress luxuriously and live sumptuously” but rather ask that their disciples to provide for the poor and love one another. During the Christmas season, we all strive a little bit extra to meet those expectations, but why is it that we do this?
We, too, are in many ways messengers like John the Baptist. We all have younger siblings, friends, colleagues, or children, who look to us for examples on how to live our lives. Our sacrifices and words have a much larger impact on our community than we realize. During this holiday season, let’s take some extra time to think about one person who we can help prepare his or her way. Perhaps we can visit with a lonely neighbor, or simply be nice to a co-worker that we generally dislike, or even buy a sandwich for a homeless person. Because one person can make a difference, and we can help people embrace Jesus in their hearts just like John the Baptist if only we are willing to try.
reflected by Dan Judnick
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