The readings in this last week of the Christmas season bask in the glow of Christ as the light of the nations, something underscored on the Feast of the Epiphany of the Lord. In today’s Gospel John the Baptist’s mission is ending and Our Lord’s is beginning, but they are one and the same: to preach conversion and faith because the Kingdom of Heaven is at hand. John prepared the way; now the Lord has come.
John preached conversion and faith to people who knew in their hearts that it was needed, not just for the world, but for them. The Lord’s phase of the mission is not just characterized by awakening consciences, but by showing the power of God. People not only received teaching and the Gospel, but physical healing to show the power of repentance and faith. Just as John had told the Pharisees, priests, and elders, they hadn’t seen anything yet. Now the Lord had come and proved John’s words were true.
If you didn’t live Advent well, it’s not too late to have Our Lord come with power into your life for Christmas and the new year. Clear a path for him in your heart and he will come and transform it.
Readings: 1 John 3:22–4:6; Psalm 2:7bc–8, 10; Matthew 4:12–17, 23–25.