As we continue to dispose ourselves to the call of what we celebrate during the season of Advent – hopeful expectation of His birth on Christmas Day – we are reminded to always be filled with joy amidst challenges, and to be herald of God’s truth to all.

The Gospel this weekend shows us the picture of a true prophet exemplified by John the Baptist. He knows his place and he is satisfied although he is a mere herald, not the center, of God’s plan. Because of this, John does not hesitate in directing people’s gaze to the Lamb of God whose coming will bring freedom from sin.

As we dive deeper into Advent, it will be good to remind ourselves about the essential role of the Church in these times. The Church does not take the place of God and certainly does not point to herself as the source of salvation. The Church proclaims Jesus Christ, the Son of God, who in turn proclaims the Kingdom of God, which is the Father’s design for the good of all. The Church is like John the Baptist, wishing only that every Catholic would find the path to Christ and to the Kingdom of God.

In pointing to Christ, the Church has been misunderstood and misrepresented countless times. Fidelity to her mission however, demands that she remain faithful in presenting Jesus Christ to all men and women. The Church cannot offer a watered-down or softened version of the Gospel to humanity’s personal and social longings. The Church assumes the role of John the Baptist in being a prophetic voice in the world, a voice that proclaims only one goal – to prepare the road for Christ’s coming.

Peace and blessings,
Father Erick