when the word of God came to John, the son of Zechariah in the desert. John proclaimed a baptism for repentant people to obtain forgiveness
of sins and he went through the whole country bordering the Jordan River. It was just as is written in the book of the prophetIsaiah: listen to this voice crying
out in the desert: prepare the way of the Lord, make his path straight. The valleys will be filled and the mountains and hills made low. Everything crooked will
be made straight and the rough paths smooth; and every human being will see the salvation of God.

Lectio Divina

READ: John is called by God out of the desert to start his ministry. John obeys
and immediately proclaims the good news in the towns bordering the Jordan
River. In John, the prophecy of the prophet Isaiah is fulfilled.

REFLECT: The desert is a special place to listen to God’s voice. In the spiritual
tradition, it has been identified as a privileged place for seeking union with
God. John spent most of his growing up years in the desert. Perhaps he is with
a group who made living in the desert a way of life for them. It is in the desert
that the word of God comes to John. He did not hesitate to leave and heed the
call of God. His life would have been relatively peaceful and secure had he not
leave the desert behind. But God’s call is irresistible. Countless holy men and
women have tried to resist before but to no avail. Take for example the prophet
Jeremiah. No matter how he tried to resist God’s call, yet God prevailed. And so,
John left behind the comfort of his desert retreat and plunged himself into the
ministry of preparing the way for the Messiah. In John, the voice of prophecy is
once again revived. The people feel something new in the air. Exciting things
are in store ahead because the Promised One is soon to come.

RESPOND: When God calls us, are we ready to give up our comfortable space?
Today, let us recall the many times that we are called to do a ministry in behalf of
God. Did we respond accordingly or not? May we have the courage to do what
God wants us to do in obedience to His invitation to serve.