Like John the Baptist all of us are sent before / for Him

Gospel Thoughts

*Christmas Season : Saturday after Epiphany*

*GOSPEL - Jn 3:22-30*

*First Reading - 1 Jn 5:14-21*

*Like John the Baptist all of us are sent before / for Him*

*1) The above thought indicates that we exist and live for someone else*

John the Baptist's arrival and mission is seen to prepare the way for the Lord. 

So His life and mission has the reference to Jesus 

As Christians we do not have an independent existence. 

Our reference point is Jesus 

We have been sent for Christ, to proclaim His mission 

*2) We are sent before/for Him - This phrase reveals a great reality*

The great reality is Jesus Himself. 

Our focus should be on Christ

Our mission should be for Christ

There is no Christian life, beyond this great reality - Jesus Christ

*3) I was sent before/for Him - highlights the importance of the responsibility*

The above phrase shows the gravity of the responsibility involved in the mission 

When some one is sent before a perticular task, he/she has to look after all the details of the perticular task that will follow after some time 

He/She becomes responsible for evey minute details of the arrangements

This shows the gravity of the work involved in it, when some one was sent before a perticular task. 

*4) I was sent before/for Him - this phrase indicates our mission involves much in preparation*

Preparation is the main task of the person who was sent before 

So this also highlights the importance of preparation for any work in our life 

Work/Mission without the preparation is failure 

Even God had to prepare a lot to send His son for a great mission 

So one can't take the preparation part lightly in any work or mission 

*5) I was sent before - makes us to realise that some one great is Coming*

The above phrase is an indication that some one is greater than me, and I am not the great person. 

John had this realisation at the highest level, that's why he said *He must increase; I must decrease.*

Only those who are aware that they are sent before or for Christ, will be able to say these words 

One who forgets the above phrase will tell *I must increase and you must decrease*

*6) I was sent before Him - important phrase for Humility*

The constant reminder that *I was sent before or for Him* makes us to realise that we are working for some one 

That makes us to realise and remain humble in our mission 

That makes us to focus on our mission 

That makes us to dedicate for the greater mission of the Lord 

*7) I was sent before Him - Why?* 

Like John the Baptist to prepare the way 

Like John the Baptist to become the voice crying in the wilderness 

Like John the Baptist to live the life of simplicity, humility, strict discipline, life of penance etc 

Like John the Baptist, to stand for truth and Justice and if needed to die 

Like John the Baptist to  become a great witness in the society

*8)  I was sent before Him - if so prepare the way for the other*

The one who comes in my place, to continue the mission is equal to Christ 

Am I ready to accept him as Christ 

What preparation I make, when I about to leave my office and when some one has to take the office 

Do I facilitate and help the person to carry out His/Her mission in a better way 

Or do I make the person to start from the scarp? 

As a person who comes before - what is my attitude? 

*Think about it*

*God bless you and your family. Praying for you and your dear ones*

*Fr Maxim Dsouza*

*Jeppu Seminary*

*Mangalore*