Prepare the Way

The WORD today (see http://usccb.org/bible/readings/010217.cfm) reminds me that I should prepare the way for God. 

Recognition is important to most people. We want to be affirmed and recognized. However, there are a lot of things at play in situations and events, and some who do a lot of work sometimes do not get the recognition they deserve. In concerts, for example, tech people set up the stage, lights and sound system, making sure everything is in order for the artist to use. They play an important role, but not always recognized. When they mess up, it affects the production in a big way. Good thing God does not act this way. 

God recognizes little things we do for Him. 

In the gospel, we see John the Baptist preparing the way for Jesus. He knew his part. He knew he was unworthy. He knew his role. And he did it well. He did not seek affirmation or recognition. He just did what he knows God wanted him to do. And God was pleased with him. 

This is a good reminder as we start the year. Tomorrow is the first working day of the year. New beginnings. We are reminded to prepare the way for Christ. We are reminded to proclaim Christ. We are reminded not to desire human recognition, and instead just do what God wants. We started preparing for Christmas, and we should not end now. We should continue to prepare the way for God in our lives and in through our lives. 

May we be encouraged to continue preparing the way for God. 

Father God,

Thank you for today. Thank you for another day to live. Thank you for another week. Thank you for another year. Thank you for my work. Thank you for the reminder. Lord, I ask that you help me love this. Help me prepare the way for you. Help me proclaim you through my life. May my actions and decisions remind others how great and loving you are. Amen. 

Blessed week!

In Christ,

-g-

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

January 2, 2017
Memorial of Saints Basil the Great and Gregory Nazianzen, Bishops and Doctors of the Church
Lectionary: 205

Reading 1 1 Jn 2:22-28

Beloved:
Who is the liar?
Whoever denies that Jesus is the Christ.
Whoever denies the Father and the Son, this is the antichrist.
Anyone who denies the Son does not have the Father,
but whoever confesses the Son has the Father as well.

Let what you heard from the beginning remain in you.
If what you heard from the beginning remains in you,
then you will remain in the Son and in the Father.
And this is the promise that he made us: eternal life.
I write you these things about those who would deceive you.
As for you,
the anointing that you received from him remains in you,
so that you do not need anyone to teach you.
But his anointing teaches you about everything and is true and not false;
just as it taught you, remain in him.

And now, children, remain in him,
so that when he appears we may have confidence
and not be put to shame by him at his coming.

Responsorial Psalm PS 98:1, 2-3ab, 3cd-4

R. (3cd) All the ends of the earth have seen the saving power of God.
Sing to the LORD a new song,
for he has done wondrous deeds;
His right hand has won victory for him,
his holy arm.
R. All the ends of the earth have seen the saving power of God.
The LORD has made his salvation known:
in the sight of the nations he has revealed his justice.
He has remembered his kindness and his faithfulness
toward the house of Israel.
R. All the ends of the earth have seen the saving power of God.
All the ends of the earth have seen
the salvation by our God.
Sing joyfully to the LORD, all you lands;
break into song; sing praise.
R. All the ends of the earth have seen the saving power of God.

Alleluia Heb 1:1-2

R. Alleluia, alleluia.
In times past, God spoke to our ancestors through the prophets:
in these last days, he has spoken to us through his Son.
R. Alleluia, alleluia.

Gospel Jn 1:19-28

This is the testimony of John.
When the Jews from Jerusalem sent priests and Levites to him
to ask him, "Who are you?"
He admitted and did not deny it, but admitted,
"I am not the Christ."
So they asked him,
"What are you then? Are you Elijah?"
And he said, "I am not."
"Are you the Prophet?"
He answered, "No."
So they said to him,
"Who are you, so we can give an answer to those who sent us?
What do you have to say for yourself?"
He said:
"I am the voice of one crying out in the desert,
'Make straight the way of the Lord,'
as Isaiah the prophet said."
Some Pharisees were also sent.
They asked him,
"Why then do you baptize
if you are not the Christ or Elijah or the Prophet?"
John answered them,
"I baptize with water;
but there is one among you whom you do not recognize,
the one who is coming after me,
whose sandal strap I am not worthy to untie."
This happened in Bethany across the Jordan,
where John was baptizing.