Preparing the Way ~ Reflection on the Birth of John the Baptist

The Birth of John the Baptist

Is 49:1-6

Ps 139:1b-3, 13-14ab, 14c-15

Acts 13:22-26

Luke 1:57-66, 80

Life is truly a gift from God.  We all know the story of this elderly couple; Elizabeth being way beyond childbearing years.  Her husband is visited by an angel of the Lord who announces that a child will be born to them.  The disbelief of Zechariah, her husband, results in his losing the power of speech... However, nothing is impossible for God and in due time, Elizabeth delivers a son.  His name is John, says his mother.  When Zechariah concurs, his speech returns.

The people recognize that this child is destined for great things.  What could God's plan be for John?  As the years pass, it becomes evident that John is to be the last prophet before the coming of the Messiah.  He has come to prepare the way for the Lord, preaching a baptism of repentance.  He calls the people to change their lives.  His message is a powerful one and the people wonder who this prophet really is; but John reveals that he is only the herald...  that he is not even fit to unfasten the sandal of he who is to come - the redeemer.

John spent his life preaching the truth.  God gave him the courage to speak the truth to power; and we know it cost him his life.

What does God expect from us?  What could his plan be for us?  He has given us life for a purpose.  All we have to do is to read today's Responsorial Psalm 139 to know how much God loves us.  How he knows us so intimately - in everything we do and are... The psalmist expresses his gratitude for God's love and care so beautifully:  "I give you thanks that I am fearfully, wonderfully made; wonderful are your works."  (Ps 139:14)

Perhaps God's plan for us includes preparing the way for others so that they may come to believe. We are asked to be holy as our Father is holy.  By our acceptance of the graces that God so generously places in our paths, this becomes possible.  Through our love of God and our care for the needs of our neighbor, we return the gift of our lives to our Heavenly Father who loves us so dearly.


 ~ Birth of John the Baptist - Society of St. Francis