Extract
Jesus, referring to John the Baptist, asked a gathered crowd, “What did you go out into the wilderness to see… A man dressed in fancy clothes… A prophet? Yes, I tell you…, This is the one about whom it is written: ‘Look, I am sending my messenger ahead of you, who will prepare your way before you.’ “(Matthew 11: 2-11)
Thought
John the Baptist was a man of immense fervour and zeal. His single-minded determination was to do God’s work, fulfil the task God asked, prepare for Jesus’ coming.
Not long after this event, John was beheaded on the instructions of Herod.
Reflection
Lord Jesus, enlighten our minds and hearts so that we will hear, believe and do your will, with the same fervour and zeal as John the baptist.
Prayer: Abandonment (Charles de Foucauld)
Father, I abandon myself into your hands;
do with me what you will.
Whatever you may do, I thank you;
I am ready for all, I accept all.
Let only your will be done in me.
I wish no more than this, O Lord.
Into your hands I commend my soul:
I offer it to you with all the love of my heart,
for I love you, Lord, and so need to give myself,
to surrender myself into your hands without reserve
and with boundless confidence, for you are my Father.