Today’s Reflection
Gospel: Lk 7:24-30
December 15, 2022 | Thursday

Today’s Gospel

When John’s messengers had gone, Jesus began speaking to the people about John. And he said, What did you want to see when you went to the desert? A reed blowing in the wind? What was there to see? A man dressed in fine clothes? But people who wear fine clothes and enjoy delicate food are found in palaces. What did you go out to see? A prophet? Yes, I tell you, and more than a prophet. For John is the one foretold in Scripture in these words: I am sending my messenger ahead of you to prepare my way. No one may be found greater than John among those born of women; but, I tell you, the least in the kingdom of God is greater than he. All the people listening to him, even the tax collectors, had acknowledged the will of God in receiving the baptism of John, whereas the Pharisees and teachers of the law, in not letting themselves be baptized by him, ignored the will of God.

Today’s Reflection:

After encountering John’s messengers, Jesus reiterated John’s role as his forerunner. As such, John invited the people to prepare the way of the Lord (cf. Isa. 40:1-11; Mk. 11:1-8). He called them to conversion of heart; his baptism in Jordan was a sign of forgiveness as they were to receive the one who was to come. John’s ministry drew others to follow him; they saw him as a prophet heralding God’s intervention to His people. Jesus himself confirmed that “no one is greater than him” (v. 28). Although John appeared the least for many, Jesus considered him greater than the Pharisees and the experts of the Law. John’s disposition is necessary in Christian discipleship. As John prepared for God’s coming, we too as Christian disciples, are to prepare others to receive Jesus. In Christian discipleship, it is not ourselves which we promote but God’s love. This is a kind of love that is ready to decrease so that God will increase (Jn. 3:30). /Vulnerasti, 2022