John's Greatness in Making way for Jesus

GOSPEL THOUGHTS

*Christmas Season  : 6th January - Saturday before epiphany*

*Gospel : Mark 1:7:11*

*First Reading : 1 John 5:5-13*

*John's Greatness in Making way for Jesus*

*1) The Mission of John the Baptist*

John had come to prepare the way for Messiah 

Accordingly he had started his mission, catechising people and  asking them to change thier lives 

*Repent from your Sins, The time is fulfilled* was his warning to the people to change thier life 

Accordingly many people came and took baptism from John 

*2) Jesus' Baptism*

The Gospel of the day speaks about the Baptism of Jesus 

As John was baptizing people, Jesus also came for baptism. John Baptised Jesus in the River Jordon 

With this John realised that Jesus is ready for His mission 

So He slowly introduced Jesus into the limelight and he prepares the way for Jesus  

*3) Preparing way for Jesus*

John had realised that His time is over, and that's why he introduced Jesus into the mission 

This is one of the important gestures of John 

Preparing others and giving the place for others for effective ministry is more important and it a noble act 

Such a act needs a deep spirituality and deep integrity, which we find in John 

*4) How many are ready to prepare for others?*

Like John how many of us ready to change our roles to give opportunity to others? 

This is one of the serious problems in our families, communities, in our associations and in the society

No one wants to step down and give opportunity for others 

So don't allow others to come up. By all means they have to do everything. This is not the Christian spirituality

*5)  Selfish Attitude*

The failure to prepare others and promote them shows very selfish attitude of the person 

Such an attitude does not help in any way, in doing good 

Selfish people think only they can do it and it is thier right to do it 

*6) Jesus prepare His disciples*

As John prepared way for Jesus, Jesus prepared way for His apostles 

That how the mission continues 

Preparing others and promoting others, will help everyone to come up and to serve for the good of the society 

Am I ready to follow the example of John the Baptist and Jesus?

*Think about it*

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

*Fr Maxim DSouza*

*Jeppu Seminary*

*Mangalore*