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As we approach the final days before our celebration of Christmas, we are reminded once again of the many ways that God has been sending messages and messengers to us in advance of his coming among us as a man. Time and again, different prophets spoke to us of God’s concern and compassion for his people, assuring them that he walked with them.
We were given an example of one such prophet today in the person of Malachi, whom God sent to assure people that He would send a messenger to prepare their hearts, restore relationships, and turn them back to God. The messenger God is sending would not simply announce news; he would shape hearts.
In Luke’s gospel today, the prophecies of God took flesh in the birth of John the Baptist. We heard the neighbors who asked, “What will this child be?” The answer was clear: John is the messenger that Malachi spoke of. John’s very name, God is gracious - announces the new area of salvation. His life becomes a bridge between the old and the new. John is the one who calls people back to God, reconciles hearts, points away from himself and towards Jesus, lives simply, boldly, and faithfully.
The question we ask today is, who is preparing the way for Christ now? The answer is us. Like John, we are called to be messengers – not by shouting in the desert, but by living in ways that make Christ visible. In a world that often feels spiritually dry, our lives can become the “voice crying out" that wakes others to God’s presence.
Who Prepares Christ's Way Today
On Monday of this week, I listened to one of the Sacred Stories of Notre Dame about two young Chinese immigrant brothers growing up in Calcutta, India, who formed a connection with a future saint that led them to Notre Dame University.
Their father, a devout Buddhist, assisted a young nun who received eighty-gallon barrels of dry milk from friends in the United States that had to be transported to her area of ministry, where she cared for people with leprosy. The nun came monthly to their home for dinner and one time she brought Father Bill Evans, C.S.C. a Holy Cross Father and missionary in India with her. It was the year 1957. I was shocked to hear who the priest was.
A discussion took place at dinner regarding the future education of the boys, and Father Bill suggested the University of Notre Dame, a Holy Cross-sponsored institution. After a 30-day boat trip, they were met by yet another Holy Cross priest, Father Alfred Neff, who directed the boys to Notre Dame, where both boys would thrive. I listened to one of the brothers tell his story.
In 1971, Father Bill, who had joined the nun for dinner at the boys' home, was murdered by the military during civil unrest in Bangladesh. To this day, the locals consider him a saint. For her part, the little nun would later be known worldwide as Mother Theresa and is now a saint. For my part, I reside in a residence on the campus of Stonehill College called Evans House, named in honor of Father Bill Evans, C.S.C., missioner and martyr.
Preparing the Way
As we approach Christmas, the readings invite us to ask: Where is God asking me to prepare the way? Whose heart might be waiting for a word of hope? How can my life point more clearly to Christ?
John the Baptist prepared the people for the first coming of Jesus. We prepare the world for the coming now – into our families, our parishes, our communities, and ultimately in our hearts.
- Father Leo's inspirational homily was recorded live during Mass at the Father Peyton Center this morning. You can view the Mass (at the 30-minute mark) on the Family Rosary YouTube page.
- To join the Rosary and Mass Livestream, visit the Family Rosary YouTube or Facebook page at 11:30 a.m. Eastern, Monday – Friday. Consider inviting others to join too! (*If you are not a member of Facebook and a signup window appears, simply select the X at the top of the pop-up message and continue to the livestream.)