Monday of the Fourth Week of Advent
If you have ever had the opportunity to attend a meeting of Alcoholics Anonymous you probably heard someone say “Carry the Message”. The simplicity of this little phrase belies its significance and, in fact, is so important that long term recovery is considered dependent upon it. The notion that someone may recover on their own or fail to share their experience with others contradicts the very foundation of recovery. As I read today’s Scriptures, I was reminded of how important “carrying the message” is in the life of a Christian.
Today’s first reading foretells the coming of John the Baptist. “Lo, I am sending my messenger to prepare the way before me...yes, he is coming, says the Lord of hosts.” (Mal 3:1) The last of the great prophets before arrival of the Messiah, John, will carry a message that has a unique urgency about it and is foretold hundreds of years before he is born. The message John will carry is intended to “turn hearts” in preparation for the imminent arrival of the Messiah. Still today, especially during this Advent season, we focus on turning our hearts in preparation for the coming of Jesus. In the Gospel passage, which relates the naming of Zechariah and Elizabeth’s child, Zechariah regains his ability to speak immediately after bestowing upon his son the name of John—the name chosen by the Lord. It is striking that Zechariah’s unbelief was the reason his voice was taken from him and restored to him the moment he conferred upon John the name that would forever be associated with carrying the most important message the world would ever hear. Lift up your heads and see your redemption is near at hand! (Ps 25: 4)
It does not matter what specific work or ministry we are called to fulfill. Each and every thought, word and action has the potential to carry the message of the Gospel. Indeed, this is a foundational part of our call. In these last few hours before Christmas, let us reflect on how our lives can carry the message of our faith, our hope, and our joy. Let us be the messengers, the carriers of the Gospel of the Lord in each and every community we touch.
Dear Creator God,
Bend low to embrace us and send us your Spirit;
Rend our hearts and turn them to you.
Grant us the grace to carry your message
to all we encounter this day
With the intercession of Mary
In Jesus’ name.
Amen.
-Gail Lyman