The Lord whom you seek will suddenly come to His Templd

Mal. 3:1-4:5-6, Lk. 1:57-66. Christians see in John the Baptist the messenger, promised in the prophet Malachi, whose task was to prepare the way so that “the Lord whom you seek will suddenly come to his temple.” In other words, John was the messenger of the covenant, now offered to us, in Jesus in whom we take delight. John is honoured in the four Gospels, for his service of preparing hearts and minds to receive the message of Jesus. Today's Gospel highlights how John was received with joy - as a great gift not just to his parents and relatives, but to the humble people generally. A spirit of joyfulness and praise runs through all of the story surrounding John’s birth.

Many years before the birth of Jesus, the prophets described the Messiah as someone who would live among His people and be one of them. The very name given to the Messiah points this out: “Emmanuel,” which means “God is with us.” In today’s first reading, we are reminded that the Lord wishes to live among us: “Therefore Lord whom you seek will suddenly come to his temple. The messenger of the covenant in whom you delight — indeed, he is coming.” What was foretold came to be fulfilled as recorded in today’s Gospel: “All this took place to fulfil what the Lord has said through the prophet: Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and they shall name him Emmanuel, which means God is with us.” Does the Lord wish to enter our lives, our homes, our world? Indeed, He does! He did that on the first Christmas and He continues to do it if we let Him.

May the Lord increase our faith in a world weighed down by unbelief and may He give us the strong faith of the apostles and their fervour in preaching the Word of God! Amen!! Remain safe, It is well with you!!!