Prepare the Way for the Lord

John Baptizing Jesus in the Jordan River

One of my favorite heroes, whose birthday we celebrate today, is John the Baptist. He is called “the baptist” because he invited people to be immersed in the Jordan River waters as a sign of repentance, a change from one's old ways to a right relationship with God.

The Gospel according to Luke sums up John’s mission in the canticle or song of Zechariah, John’s father: “you will go before the Lord to prepare his ways.” Later on, we recognize John as the one who prepares the way for the Messiah, Jesus of Nazareth, the bridge between the two covenants that created that special relationship between God and us: that of the Hebrews and that of Jesus Christ.

John lived a rugged, ascetic life-style. His message was very simple. He proclaimed what the prophet Micah had begged the Hebrews to do centuries before: do what is right, love goodness, and walk humbly with your God. “Repent,” John cried out; “orient your life to God and the things of God.”

John pointed to Jesus as the light, the Lord, the One to whom we owe our ultimate allegiance, the “passover” or sacrificial lamb of God through whose blood we have God’s eternal life. John is indeed the herald of Jesus; and for speaking the truth to power, King Herod, John was imprisoned and executed.

Like Jesus, whose parents Joseph and Mary fled with him as immigrants to Egypt (Matthew 2) to protect him, John the Baptist dedicated his own life to God’s ways.

The Book of the Acts of the Apostles alludes to the story of our salvation. John the Baptist urges us to orient our lives to God so that we can welcome into our own hearts the Messiah, Jesus, the Word become flesh, the glory and presence of God among us.

John challenges us to be messengers of Jesus by the manner in which we live: so that others can “encounter” the living God who became flesh in Jesus and is alive in our midst by the power of the Spirit. Through our own hearts, the grace and favor of God can empower others.

There’s no better place to begin preparing “the Lord’s way” than in our own families.

First, continue to create a better sense of togetherness, closeness and care. Keep in touch personally; be hospitable. Participate in Mass and special family events. Communicate with one another; spend time together; share good news as well as bad; above all, keep your word and build up trust with one another.

Second, take control of family life. Many activities can divide a family – activities valuable in themselves, but if not checked, can rob families of time together.

And finally, accept and appreciate family members for who they are. The purpose of family is to nurture children in a secure and loving environment so that they can mature into responsible adults.

This summer, like John the Baptist, prepare the way for the Lord, especially in your families.