When
John the Baptist announced the imminent coming of God's anointed one, the
Messiah, the religious leaders questioned his authority to speak so boldly in
God's name. They asked him bluntly, "Who are you?" and "What do
you say about yourself?" They wanted to know if he was really sent by God.
Did he claim to be the Messiah or one of the great prophets who was expected to
return and announce the Messiah's arrival (see Malachi 4:5, Deuteronomy 18:15)?
John had no doubt and no mistaken identity about his call and mission. In all
humility and sincerity he said he was only a voice bidding people to get ready
for the arrival of the greatest Ruler of all, God's anointed King and
Messiah.
John
the Baptist bridges the Old and New Testaments. He is the last of the Old Testament
prophets who points the way to the Messiah. He is the first of the New
Testament witnesses and martyrs. He is the herald who prepares the way for
Jesus and who announces his mission to the people: Behold the Lamb of God who
takes away the sins of the world! (John 1:29). John saw from a distance what
the Messiah would come to accomplish - our redemption from slavery to sin and
our adoption as sons and daughters of God, our heavenly Father. Do you
recognize who you are in Christ? The Lord Jesus has come to restore us to
friendship with God and he has made us citizens of heaven - his everlasting
kingdom of peace and justice.
John
was the greatest of the prophets, yet he lived as a humble and faithful servant
of God. He pointed others to Jesus, the true Messiah and Savior of the world.
The Christian church from the earliest of times has given John many titles
which signify his mission: Witness of the Lord, Trumpet of Heaven, Herald of
Christ, Voice of the Word, Precursor of Truth, Friend of the Bridegroom, Crown
of the Prophets, Forerunner of the Redeemer, Preparer of Salvation, Light of
the Martyrs, and Servant of the Word.
“O” Antiphons begin on Saturday,
December 17th!
REMINDER ABOUT UPCOMING DATES
Ä December
14th - Archdiocesan Day of Confessions
10:30 – 12noon, 2pm – 4pm,
7pm Reconciliation Service followed by individual Confession
Ä December
17th “O” Antiphons Begin
Ä December
17th at 10:30am – Rehearsal for Christmas Pageant
Ä December
17th at 7:30 – Christmas Concert
Ä December
18th after 11:30 Mass – Decorating the church for Christmas
Ä December
24th Masses: 5pm-7pm-9:30pm and 12 midnight
Ä December
25th Masses: 9:30am and 11:30am
Ä December
26th: Mass 9am
Wishing you all a great week!
I hope
you enjoy this beautiful time in the church year.
Fr. Phil
