Messenger is a word that brings to mind so many things - the numerous angels who acted as messengers to men: the angel who came to Mary to let her know she was chosen to be the mother of God; the angel who visited Joseph in a dream to let him know that Mary had not broken her bond with him, but had been chosen - as had he - to parent the Son of God. Another Messenger in less angelic form would be John the Baptist, who prepared the way for Christ's arrival. That's what Mark talks about at the beginning of his Gospel:
The image here is when Mary and Elizabeth meet, and John first moves in Elizabeth's womb at the presence of the Lord. The joy in that moment is certainly one worth celebrating.
Going back to the reflection mentioned at the end of yesterday's blog, the first Advent, and the second Advent, and many subsequent Advents have passed each year, as God waits for as many people as possible to know the way of the Lord. John the Baptist isn't here anymore to provide the message, but we are. We may not have a lot of wilderness to cry out in, but we have many places to share the joy of our Faith, to invite people to come and celebrate with us as we await the coming of Christ.
Are you ready to be a Messenger of Advent?
Activity for the Day: Choose three people - older, younger, same age - doesn't matter - and invite them to attend the Third Sunday of Advent with you. It's okay if they say no - but they don't have the opportunity to say no if they're never asked, do they? Be that Messenger, and make straight the path before them, so they too can experience the joys of Advent.
1 The beginning of the Gospel of Jesus Christ, the Son of God.
2 As it is written in the Prophets: “Behold, I send My messenger before Thy face, who shall prepare Thy way before Thee.”
3 “The voice of one crying in the wilderness: ‘Prepare ye the way of the Lord, make His paths straight.’”
The image here is when Mary and Elizabeth meet, and John first moves in Elizabeth's womb at the presence of the Lord. The joy in that moment is certainly one worth celebrating.
Going back to the reflection mentioned at the end of yesterday's blog, the first Advent, and the second Advent, and many subsequent Advents have passed each year, as God waits for as many people as possible to know the way of the Lord. John the Baptist isn't here anymore to provide the message, but we are. We may not have a lot of wilderness to cry out in, but we have many places to share the joy of our Faith, to invite people to come and celebrate with us as we await the coming of Christ.
Are you ready to be a Messenger of Advent?
Activity for the Day: Choose three people - older, younger, same age - doesn't matter - and invite them to attend the Third Sunday of Advent with you. It's okay if they say no - but they don't have the opportunity to say no if they're never asked, do they? Be that Messenger, and make straight the path before them, so they too can experience the joys of Advent.
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