December 17th
We are now well over halfway through our Camino, and the danger is that we can get so caught up with 25th December that we could miss out on the beauty that these next couple of weeks will bring us. Yes, there is shopping to be done, cards to be sent and gifts to be wrapped, but our Advent Camino is that chance to give something back to the Lord and to each other.
If you have a spare moment, please remember the Salesian Family in your own prayers and ask that others may follow in the footsteps of Don Bosco and Mother Mazzarello—we certainly need that generosity. In the Gospel today, once again John the Baptist is front and centre but, as always, he is pointing beyond himself to the person of Jesus. John’s gospel presents John the Baptist in conversation with the priests and Levites sent from Jerusalem. They want to know who this strange character is—John is quite clear, that he was not the promised Messiah: ‘He himself was not the light; he came only as a witness to the light.’ (Jn 1:8)
In this great ‘Prologue’, we see a wonderful piece of poetry that echoes the beauty of Genesis, the first book of the Bible. John presents the Messiah as the LIGHT, ‘a light that shines in the dark, a light that darkness could not overpower’ (Jn 1: 5). In these dark, cold nights, the Christmas tree lights are a welcome distraction and should point to a deeper reality of faith: the light of Christ will make a difference, the light of Christ will see us through these times of hardship. A global pandemic, together with the threat of a European War and a failing economy, has brought a universal darkness as we have experienced, lockdown, shielding, unemployment, failure, pain, and death. However, our experience has also highlighted the light of the NHS, the care and consideration of family and friends and the lengths that some people have gone to keep in touch. People have shown their concern and care for those affected by war and hatred: homes were thrown open to Ukrainian refugees, and thousands have marched not for hate, but because they care about both sides in the Gaza/Israel conflict. We do not have to be distant; we need not ignore each other or use troubles as an excuse to erase people from our lives. We all those need people in our lives who can cut through the drama and the problems and give us clear and straight guidance. The Messiah, the one John is preparing the way for, has the power and strength of the Holy Spirit to move us all forward.
As we reflect today, we can think of those we have met who pointed us towards Jesus; I think of my parents and family, I give thanks for those fellow Salesians who have given me an unselfish example of real care for the young. I praise God for the countless young people I have met over the years who have helped me to come closer to God. I am grateful to those families who have accepted me as another hungry guest at their home table; I appreciate those friends who have become part of our extended Salesian family and continue that inspirational mission and outreach to the young. God will come to you in the most unexpected ways this week; unexpected people, young or old, will help you to discover God’s will for you. As a Salesian of Don Bosco, I thank those young people who pointed the way—and still do. Be alert this week to see, hear and fully experience the wonder that God is calling you to share.
Today: listen to the voice of the children and young people in your life-- they have a wisdom beyond their years.
This may help you to reflect as you ‘Prepare a Way for the Lord’:
We can pray, as we light the third candle:
Thanks be to you, my lord, Jesus Christ,
For all the benefits that you have given me;
For all the pains and insults you have borne for me.
O, most merciful redeemer, friend and brother,
May I know you more clearly;
Love you more dearly;
And follow you more nearly day by day.
(St Richard of Chichester)