Fr. Mike's Gospel Reflection for - Sunday, December 7, 2025

This second week of Advent introduces us to John the Baptist.  According to Luke’s Gospel, John, who was about six months older than Jesus, was the son of Mary’s cousin Elizabeth and her husband, Zechariah, a small-town priest.  God sends his word to John, a relatively unknown man living in the wilderness.  Perhaps because of his simple, humble presence, John is not only open to the word of God, but he is also moved by it to call for repentance.  He precedes, prepares the way for, and foretells the coming of the Messiah, the one who is the salvation of Israel.

Matthew repeats several verses from the prophet Isaiah to make it very clear that John is the herald for the Messiah who pronounces the coming of the one true King.  John had only one purpose: to prepare the way of the Lord and make straight His paths.  He baptized the Jewish people, encouraged them to repent, and prepared them to meet Jesus.  John created great anticipation among the people regarding the arrival of Jesus. 

Both John and Jesus preach repentance.  John prepares us for Jesus.  Jesus prepares us for the Eternal Kingdom.  Both will lose their lives because people refuse to heed their warnings.  Yet, even in death (and through Christ’s resurrection) they will shake the foundations of earthly power.  While most earthly leaders in the first century died without making any long-term impact, John and Jesus, who have no earthly power, sparked a flourishing Christian community.  This reminds us that we do not have to be well known or of great influence to be used by God.  He can, and will, use each of us to do His vital work. 

We are certain that the “coming” of the King - heralded by John - occurred two thousand years ago.  We are just as certain about the imminent “coming” of the King.  In each instance, the coming was and will be profoundly joyful for those who heeded the warnings and who were and are prepared.  It will be far less joyful for those who are caught off guard or are prevented from recognizing Christ due to fear, anger, pride, or other deadly sinful tendencies.  The good news is that being well prepared is entirely within our control.  Now is the time to prepare the way of the Lord.

Fr. Mike