Dear John,

In the Gospel reading today, we see the figure of St. John the Baptist – the one who prepares the way for the Lord.

St. John the Baptist pointed people to Jesus, called for their repentance, and baptized them. He was constantly looking toward the One Who was to come, which meant sharing this message with others.

St. John didn’t force anyone to seek the Lord, just as God Himself never forces us to seek Him. God wants people to come to Him freely, which is why He never coerces us. Instead, He invites us to seek Him. Ultimately, the choice is ours.

Every day of our lives, the Lord gives us invitations to seek Him. Through the beauty of nature and the love of family, He beckons us. Our architecture, artwork, sacred music, chants, and the words of the liturgy themselves point to something beyond the ordinary and call us closer to the One for Whom our hearts are longing.

Are we listening to the Beloved’s Voice that speaks to us through the Sacred texts, through Sacred music, through beauty? He calls us and then patiently waits for our reply.

Once we answer His call, like St. John the Baptist, we can then share the message with others. In our words and our actions, people can hear and see how God lives within us – and transforms us – most especially with His Eucharistic Presence. We can be a light for others in this dark world as we share the Gospel with others.

Here are today’s Mass readings:

First reading: Baruch 5:1-9

Psalm: 126:1-6

Second reading: Philippians 1:4-6, 8-11

Gospel: St. Luke 3:1-6

Here are a couple of EWTN programs airing this week:

SAVORING OUR FAITH—ADVENT

December 5, 4:30 PM

Pull up a chair in Fr. Leo Patalinghug’s kitchen, where he serves meals with a message of joyful anticipation for the birth of our Savior. This appetizing Advent special is seasoned with wonderful spiritual advice. (30 mins.)

GUADALUPE: THE MIRACLE AND THE MESSAGE

December 11, 2:00 PM

Jim Caviezel narrates the history of Our Lady of Guadalupe, from her miraculous apparition to the relevance her message still holds for Catholics today. (60 mins.)

All times Eastern. Check ewtn.com/tv/schedule for up-to-date listings.

May God bless you this second week of Advent, and may you, like St. John the Baptist, be a beacon of light to the world.

In Christ,

Father Joseph

P.S. If you are moved by this message, please forward it on to your loved ones. And if you would like to receive a free eBook that includes all of my Advent and Christmas reflections, please visit: ewtn.com/adventreflections.