Dear Our Lady of the Assumption Parish Family,

 

John the Baptist brought a practical message of renewal, calling the people to three essential truths. First, every follower of God must share what they possess with their neighbors, especially those lacking the necessities of life.  Second, it is our sacred duty to give every person what is due and not to take from them what rightfully belongs to them. Thirdly, he urged his listeners to be content with what they had and to avoid coveting what belonged to others. John recognized these teachings as a profound expression of the great commandment to love one’s neighbor as oneself and urging people to turn back to God and walk in His way of love and goodness.

 

John’s message of “good news” aroused people’s hope and joyful expectation that this was now the moment for God’s Anointed One, who would come to establish His reign of peace and goodness. Many wondered if John himself might be the Messiah; his response was loud and clear: he was only the herald’s voice who prepared the way for the Messiah’s coming. His task was to inspire people to recognize and receive the Messiah when he came. John baptized others with water, but the Messiah would baptize with the fire of His Holy Spirit. Jesus is ready to give us the fire of His Holy Spirit so that we may radiate the joy of the Gospel to the world. Just as John the Baptist prepared the way for Jesus, we must now live in a way that reveals Christ’s love and points others toward Him.

 

During this third week of Advent, we light the third candle, known as the Shepherd’s Candle; this candle is pink and represents joy. May our hearts be filled with joy for the near arrival of Jesus on Christmas day!

 

Yours in Christ,

Father Edward Domme