Messenger of the Lord

Readings for Wednesday December 23, 2009

First Reading: Malachi 3:1-4, 23-24
Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 25
Gospel: Luke 1:57-66


When the time arrived for Elizabeth to have her child she gave birth to a son. Her neighbors and relatives heard that the Lord had shown his great mercy toward her, and they rejoiced with her. When they came on the eighth day to circumcise the child, they were going to call him Zechariah after his father, but his mother said in reply, “No. He will be called John.” But they answered her, “There is no one among your relatives who has this name.” So they made signs, asking his father what he wished him to be called. He asked for a tablet and wrote, “John is his name,” and all were amazed. Immediately his mouth was opened, his tongue freed, and he spoke blessing God. Then fear came upon all their neighbors, and all these matters were discussed throughout the hill country of Judea. All who heard these things took them to heart, saying, “What, then, will this child be? For surely the hand of the Lord was with him." (Lk 1:57-66)

In today's readings we read about the coming of "the messenger of the Lord", John the Baptist. The prophet Malachi foretold his coming and how he was to prepare the way of the Lord. In the gospel reading we read of his birth and of his naming. The neighbors were all confused when Elizabeth wanted to name him John, but they were reduced to silence when Zechariah reinforced the name and then was given his speech back. All the neighbors and people of the area began asking "What then will this child be?" They could all see that there was something special about John, they just didn't quite know what it was.

The neighbors may not of known what John would become, but God did. In fact, God had even foretold his coming many years before through the prophet Malachi. But the truth is that God had a plan for John the Baptist since the beginning. God knew exactly how he would come into this world and the important mission He was giving to John. God's plan for John came about because Zechariah and Elizabeth came to trust and follow in God's will for them. John the Baptist understood and took on his mission in life, he knew his role and the things that God was asking. John was willing to go along with God's plan, He knew that was the right way and that there really was no other.

Today, we should all sit and ask ourselves; am I following God's plan for my life? Am I living out my purpose, or asking God to reveal this to me?

It is my firm belief that the only way that we will truly find peace and fulfillment in this life is by finding out God's purpose for us and by living out His plan for us.

May God bless you and your families during this Advent Season.

Father above, we thank you and praise you for the gift of this day. Lord help increase our faith so that we may be more obedient servants of you. Lord, help us to let go of the things of this world and to cling only to you. We ask this all through Christ our Lord. Amen.