The words from the beginning of the Gospel of John are meant to be read and proclaimed slowly, contemplatively, letting the wonder of God’s love in the incarnation of Christ fill our minds and hearts.
These last Advent readings invite us to pause … breathe … and to become aware of the sacredness of our lives lived in the grace of God, made present in our flesh through Christ.
These readings remind us that God has a plan for history – our common history and our personal ones, and that God is putting that plan into action through Christ.
In today’s Gospel, Jesus recognizes in John the Baptist the spiritual return of the prophet Elijah – one of ancient Israel’s greatest prophets, whose resume is highlighted in the first reading from the book of Sirach.
My work at the U.S. bishops’ conference this past year has included significant efforts resourcing and promoting Catholic lay ministry and related preparation and formation activities.
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