Missio Dei

Share this post

Make Straight the Way of the Lord

www.missiodeicatholic.org

Discover more from Missio Dei

An independent publication giving a voice for aspiring Catholic writers to proclaim the good news of Jesus Christ.
Over 3,000 subscribers
Continue reading
Sign in
Daily Gospel Reflections

Make Straight the Way of the Lord

Gospel Reflection for January 2, 2023

Lexis Challen
Jan 2, 2023
9
Share this post

Make Straight the Way of the Lord

www.missiodeicatholic.org
1
Share

John the Baptist was called by God to prepare the way of the Lord and to make straight His path. As such, he proclaimed to all with passion and zeal, “repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand!” (Matthew 3:2 NABRE)

John did not hesitate to tell people their sins, or to confront even the most powerful people. With faith in God, he fearlessly called everyone to repentance.

Priests and Levites were sent to ask John, “‘Who are you, so we can give an answer to those who sent us? What do you have to say for yourself?’ He said:

“I am ‘the voice of one crying out in the desert,

“Make straight the way of the Lord,”’

as Isaiah the prophet said.” Some Pharisees were also sent. They asked him, ‘Why then do you baptize if you are not the Messiah or Elijah or the Prophet?’ John answered them, ‘I baptize with water; but there is one among you whom you do not recognize, the one who is coming after me, whose sandal strap I am not worthy to untie.’” (John 1:22-27)

Have you made straight the way of the Lord in your own life? Do you strive to remove sin and vice from your life, and to cultivate virtue? Like John, do you evangelize to others through example and by proclaiming Jesus’ coming?

Many people thought that John the Baptist was possibly the Messiah or the Prophet, and did not even recognize Jesus in their midst. Do you recognize the presence of the Lord in your life?

Let us firmly resolve to change our sinful ways this new year and to prepare ourselves for the Lord.

9
Share this post

Make Straight the Way of the Lord

www.missiodeicatholic.org
1
Share
1 Comment
Share this discussion

Make Straight the Way of the Lord

www.missiodeicatholic.org
Kathleen Daley
Jan 2Liked by Chantal LaFortune, Lexis Challen

When you asked, " Do you recognize the presence of Jesus in your life", my first reaction was well of course. But then I realized that there are people, situations and problems in my I wish were not there. Yet Jesus is always there amidst it all. So I think I had better take another look with a better attitude!

Expand full comment
Reply
Share
Top
New
Community

No posts

Ready for more?

© 2023 Missio Dei
Privacy ∙ Terms ∙ Collection notice
Start WritingGet the app
Substack is the home for great writing