Greetings on this the Friday of the Fourth Week of Advent
Readings: Mal 3:1-4, 23-24; PS 25:4-5ab, 8-9, 10 and 14; Lk 1:57-66
Notes: John the Baptist, Elijah, has come. His mission continues each generation.
John, like Mary, always points us to Jesus and the Father.
He has other specific goals as well. John has come and continues his mission. Remember, John never married. John never had children. But he understood and was motivated by the turning of hearts.
To turn the hearts of the fathers to their children, and the hearts of the children to their fathers (Mal 3:24).
Recently, aiding a family with their gift giving, it was a joy to watch them in joy wrapping their carefully picked selections for gifts for their children. These gifts are outward signs of an inward turn, to the heart and wellbeing of the children. And children for their parents.
- Turn hearts to love.
- Be introduced to the Horn of Salvation.
- Know, accept, and turn for and toward the forgiveness of sin.
Inseparable things.
Elizabeth, righteous, names John in harmony with the vison of the Angel Gabriel to her husband Zechariah.
Twin tasks of John:
- Prepare the way of Jesus as the Horn of Salvation.
- Prepare his people by knowledge of salvation through the forgiveness of sin.
Three Songs of Advent: https://gerrypalermo.files.wordpress.com/2017/04/threesongsofadvent.pdf
John. John the Baptist.
First reading
Thus says the Lord GOD: Lo, I am sending my messenger to prepare the way before me.
Lo, I will send you Elijah, the prophet, Before the day of the LORD comes, the great and terrible day, To turn the hearts of the fathers to their children, and the hearts of the children to their fathers.
Responsorial Psalm
Lift up your heads and see; your redemption is near at hand.
All the paths of the LORD are kindness and constancy toward those who keep his covenant and his decrees. The friendship of the LORD is with those who fear him, and his covenant, for their instruction.
Alleluia Verse
O King of all nations and keystone of the Church; come and save man, whom you formed from the dust!
Gospel Portion
When the time arrived for Elizabeth to have her child she gave birth to a son.
When they came on the eighth day to circumcise the child, they were going to call him Zechariah after his father, but his mother said in reply, “No. He will be called John.”
So they made signs, asking his father what he wished him to be called. He asked for a tablet and wrote, “John is his name,” and all were amazed. Immediately his mouth was opened, his tongue freed, and he spoke blessing God.
The Canticle of Zechariah (tomorrow).
Peace be with you,
Deacon Gerry
Deacon Gerry Palermo 