December 14, 2014: Third Sunday of Advent

“I am the voice of one crying out in the desert, ‘make straight the way of the Lord,’” (Photo: St. Joseph’s Lake at St. Mary-of-the Woods, Ind.)

A man named John was sent from God.
He came for testimony, to testify to the light, so that all might believe through him.
He was not the light, but came to testify to the light.

And this is the testimony of John.
When the Jews from Jerusalem sent priests and Levites to him to ask him, “Who are you?”
He admitted and did not deny it, but admitted, “I am not the Christ.”
So they asked him, “What are you then? Are you Elijah?” And he said, “I am not.”
“Are you the Prophet?” He answered, “No.”
So they said to him,
“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 Christ 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.”
This happened in Bethany across the Jordan, where John was baptizing. (John 1:6-8, 19-28)

Reflection:

This week again the Gospel is about John the Baptist. People are still puzzled and want to know if he is the Christ who is to come. He tells them, “No.” And again, he points to Jesus.
Am I truthful in my responses to others? Do I sometimes stretch the truth in order to be accepted by others?

Action:

This week you will have many opportunities to answer questions from your classmates, your boss or your parents. Give direct answers and don’t say things that are not true so that you “look good.”