Few individuals in the Bible are mentioned before their birth, and John the Baptist is one of them. On Monday 24, we celebrate his birth, remembering that even before he was born, he leapt into his mother Elizabeth’s womb during her joyful encounter with the Blessed Virgin Mary, who was also pregnant, carrying Jesus. According to Luke, “the child grew and became strong in spirit” (Luke 1:80). All four gospel writers, Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John, refer to the prophecy of Isaiah about the messenger: “The voice of one crying in the wilderness, ‘Prepare the way of the Lord, make his paths straight'” (Isaiah 40:3).
John grew up to become a desert hermit and a public crusader, calling people to repent of their sins and pointing them to Jesus as “The Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world!” (John 1:29).
Repentance, as John preached, involves more than merely saying sorry. When the crowds asked John what they should do, he instructed those with two coats or ample food to share with those who had none. He advised tax collectors to collect only what was due and told soldiers not to use threats or false accusations to extort money but to be content with their wages (Luke 3:10-14). Reflecting on John’s teachings, consider what he might say to you today.
Please pray for all those who have died recently:
Thomas Mani (87), George Kakkassery (75) Thomas Chummar (81) P V Varghese Punnackapadavil (88)
Commemorate the Death Anniversaries of Our Loved Ones:
Prof.Baby Varghese Menacherry (61)2001.
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