you really go out to see? A prophet? Yes, indeed, and even more than a prophet. He is the man of whom Scripture says: I send my messenger ahead of you, to prepare the way before you.I tell you this: no one greater than John the Baptist has arisen from among the sons of women; and yet, the least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than he. 

Lectio Divina
READ: Today we are celebrating the Gaudete Sunday meaning joy. A rose candle is lit, inviting us to rejoice because the Lord is near. (Jas 5:8)
REFLECT: The first reading is telling that even the wilderness and the desert will be joyful ­ the wilderness that is wild and barren, and the desert that is so arid because of little rainfall. Life will spring from them. There is the command to strengthen the weak and assure with the presence of God those who are afraid. There is also the prophecy that the blind will see, the deaf will hear and the ran­ somed will return to their land. These things signify that some­ body is coming and will make all things to happen. He will bring life and joy in his coming. We are excited for his pre­ sence, we want to witness how these things will happen, but the second reading is teaching us to be patient. There is no time in waiting. Somebody who waits is not bound by time, only by the joy of expecting. Let us streng­ then our hearts as we wait. The Gospel is revealing that it is Jesus who is coming. He alone has the power to heal and restore those who have dis­ ability. In his presence creation is revived, and so the blossoming of the wilderness and the desert.
PRAY: The Lord is near, let us rejoice!
ACT: Prepare his way by giving a beautiful smile. Be ahead of others in doing what is good. Be contented of what you have and what you received, but continue on improving yourself.
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