John the Baptist, one of the great Advent figures makes his appearance in today's Gospel. While John's role as herald for Jesus is evident in each of the Gospels, St. Luke gives a much more detailed account of John's role. In the infancy narrative in Luke (Chap. 1-2) John's annunciation and birth parallels the same events in Jesus' infancy. In today's selection, the Gospel writer puts the words of the prophet Isaiah on John as though he is being given a role of prophecy: "A voice of one crying in the desert: 'Prepare the way of the Lord!'" We may ask ourselves, "In what way is the life of John the Baptist like my life? How do I prepare the way of the Lord for my family members, or my neighbors, or those with whom I work?"
We witness the saving and sanctifying Gospel with what we do as well as what we say - including when we "give God persmission," as Blessed Mother Teresa of Calcutta often said, to convert our own hearts more deeply to Christ.
Here are some simple ways for us to say Yes to deeper personal conversaion to Jesus:
Put up an Advent wreath.
Place a cross or sacred-art tiem in every room.
Pray every time a siren sounds.
Cross yourself when passing a church.
Create a prayer corner.
