St. John the Baptist is chosen and sent by God to prepare the way before the Messiah, Jesus! How beautiful is his example, his humility! He knew that it wasn’t all about him. His mission was to help the people, to help us get ready for Jesus so that we would recognize the Savior when He arrived. St. John the Baptist can help us this Advent and every day to root out those things that make the way rocky and difficult so that it might be smooth for the Lord. Ask his intercession and assistance in preparing your heart to receive Jesus and recognize the Messiah.
In his ministry, John pointed out Jesus to his disciples saying, “Behold the Lamb of God who takes away the sins of the world.” All that John did pointed to Jesus. John can do the same for us if we ask him. Also, John can be a model for us. We, too, are called to point people to Jesus. We need to bring people to Jesus so that he can bring peace, joy, love, and hope into their hearts and souls. St. John the Baptist, help us bring people to Jesus so that He might be known and loved and so that more and more people will experience the fullness of life that comes from a relationship with Him.
St. John the Baptist, pray for us!
4TH SUNDAY OF ADVENT REMINDER!
A reminder so that no one is caught off guard! December 24 is the 4th Sunday of Advent. December 25 is a Monday. So, what does that mean? To fulfill your Sunday obligation and receive communion for Christmas, you must come to Mass at the Saturday evening Vigil Mass (5:00 PM) or Sunday morning (December 24).
We will begin Christmas Masses at 5:00 PM on December 24, Sunday evening. We will have two Masses offered at that time and the two Masses offered at 8:00 PM.
You could also go to Mass Sunday morning and then attend Mass on Christmas Day, Monday, December 25 at 10:00 AM (one of the most beautiful Masses of the year in my opinion!).
Which 4th Sunday of Advent Mass and which Christmas Mass will you and your family attend?
May the peace of Jesus reign in your hearts this week!
~ Fr. Daniel Firmin