Be Like John

My Dear People,

Be Like John, Be Like Jesus

"A voice crying out in the wilderness.. prepare ye the way of the Lord!" Mark's Gospel today reminds us that John the Baptist spent most of his adult life, clearing a path for the Messiah to enter his heart. He lived an austere life freed from distraction. His meals were meager. His home was barren. He owned little. As John was baptizing in the Jordan River, Jesus comes to him. As the Holy Spirit filled John in his mother's womb, at the presence of Jesus in Mary's womb; again the Holy Spirit consumes John. The Baptist states, "I am not even worthy to touch the sandals on your feet." Jesus's sandals were the most undesirable part of His attire. Like boots in the barn, sandals picked up everything undesirable in the street.



John recognizes the Divine in Our Lord. Jesus asks to be baptized by John. Jesus asks this of his cousin in obedience to His Father's will. Our Lord was teaching us how to access the grace of eternity through our Baptism. If you were baptized, you have your parents to thank for that gift. Baptism opens all the avenues of grace that leads us to eternal life. Be like John, emptied of yourself. Be like Jesus, obedient to the Father. They both point in the direction that leads us to everlasting LIFE.

As good stewards, may we strive to embrace the simplicity of St. John the Baptist, more than the materialism of our age.

Entrusting you to the care of Our Lady,
Fr. Mark