Today is the Solemnity of the birth of John the Baptist and an opportunity to reflect on the mission to be a herald of the Good News of Jesus Christ. I often wonder if we are back in time before Jesus was born. We seem to be more secular in our outlook. Political power and economic power seem to be worshiped by many. The poor keep getting poorer and the rich get more money. In many ways, this was the world that John and Jesus were born into.
They were the same age, related to each other and probably knew each other growing up. John was the herald of the news of who Jesus was. He was, as Isaiah, says, “the voice crying out in the wilderness” and man of passion. John was very different than Jesus in his preaching style. But he pointed us the sun of righteousness and the morning star of God’s glory.
We need people like John today who are on fire with the authentic message of Jesus. What is the authentic message? The Sermon of the Mount, his teachings, and most importantly, the witness of the Cross and Resurrection. As God’s people, we are disciples who learn and embody of the mission of Jesus to proclaim the Kingdom, and we are passionate about our faith. What drew people to John was his fire and his passion; if we are that way, people will be drawn to God by the witness of our lives.
In 6 months, we will celebrate Christmas Eve. Would it not be great if we all decided today to not buy into the secular distortion of Christmas but keep focused on what the day is really about. Would not it be great if we observed Advent like we observe Lent and really prepare ourselves for a renewal of Christ with in us.
This is not a pipe dream of mine. It can happen if we want it too.
The question is: do we?
One response to “There are about 180 shopping days until Christmas! ”
What? Only 180 days left? How will I ever be ready on time? Hmmm. I have an idea. I’ll pray…all 180 days.