There are multiple places in the Old Testament, predicting the coming of the greatest prophet who, in his life, prepared the way of the Lord. He had the singular privilege no other prophet before him had; not only was he a cousin of Jesus in the flesh, but he physically pointed out the messiah by proclaiming, “Behold, the lamb of God, who takes away the sins of the world” (John 1:29).
Several of these Old Testament passages include, “Thus says the Lord God: Lo, I am sending my messenger to prepare the way before me” (Mal 3:1). And in another place, “A voice proclaims: In the wilderness prepare the way of the Lord! Make straight in the wasteland a highway for our God” (Isaiah 40:3)!
John the Baptist was so effective preparing the way of the Lord in the lives of others that Jesus Himself said of him, “Amen I say to you, among those born of women there has been none greater than John the Baptist; yet the least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than he” (Matthew 11:11). Consoling words, these.
Be reassured that with the grace of God, we too are able to prepare the way of the Lord in the lives of others, spiritually generating children to and for God by bringing them to the Lord. One may wonder how this is done. It is done by imitating Jesus Christ in what we think, say and do. We need not be reminded that our words will be ineffectual if they are not backed up by charity or love.
Just days before Christmas, after heading home to North American Martyrs Parish, I parked in front of the church to say “good night” to the Lord Jesus present in the tabernacle in the beautiful church. I was met by some girl scouts and their mothers. They had just finished having a pre-Christmas party. They wanted to load my car with 50 pounds of food, hygiene items, blankets, pillows and other miscellaneous goodies for the poor. It would have been easy to have gathered without having thought of those who are less well off. I was most grateful and edified.
I am also thankful for having witnessed the love and generosity of our countless benefactors across the diocese and beyond. We have received food, clothing, coats, gloves, hats, boots, autos, cash, and other miscellaneous items.
As for toys, we were able to give toys to nearly 850 families and more than 2,300 children across the Diocese of Lincoln for Christmas!
I would like to thank Almighty God, the Blessed Virgin Mary, St. Joseph, St. Gianna, St. John the Baptist, all our patron saints, our donors, volunteers and staff for all they do and for being heralds by preparing the way of the Lord in the minds and hearts of others.
Please remember we will keep all of you in our special prayers during this new year and beyond!
