"ST. JOHN THE BAPTIST ...
THE MODEL OF CHURCH WE ARE
CALLED TO BE."
Our theme this year is "Jesus - Light of Life". But how do we prepare ourselves to be the light of Jesus when our lives are still immersed in the darkness of our egoism and sinfulness?
How do we empty ourselves of all that is not of God in our daily lives to make the space to be filled with Jesus transforming manner?
What can we do this Advent to truly be messengers of Our Lord's infinite love and forgiveness?
We can look to St. John the Baptist as the model of Church we are called to be.
He takes seriously the call to repentance, to change the direction from sin and doing our own wills to be fully focused on Christ.
He even went into the desert to escape from the distractions that could pull him away from God.
He lived a radically simple life even in his attire and the food he ate.
"St. John was clothed in camel's hair. with a leather belt around his waist."
He fed on locusts and wild honey.
A challenging image when we are so caught up in buying "stuff" an decorating as we prepare for Christmas.
Like Mary our mother said at Her Annunciation: "I am the Handmaid of the Lord...."
St. John the Baptist could say at the beginning of His mission: "One mightier than I is coming after me. I am not worthy to stoop and loosen the thongs of his sandals."
We probably will not choose to go off to live in the desert, living off of grass hoppers. But we can set our priorities straight in this season of new hope, and not be caught up in material things.
What are the basic values of our lives to which we direct the majority of our time and attention?
Let us pray that it is indeed being a messenger and disciple of Jesus, light of our lives.
An Advent Reflection
by
Fr. John Patrick Sullivan, M.S.
WORDS FROM HIS HOLINESS POPE FRANCIS:
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