John the Baptist Prepares the Way ~
Today is our first reading of the synoptic Gospels. These three books are called synoptic because they record many of the same events, sometimes to the letter. It is thought that Mark wrote his account first with Matthew & Luke using his book as a jumping point. However, each author tells the events according to their own style. Mark focuses on the action & supernaturality of Jesus. His is a fast-paced account written for those who lived outside of the area in which Jesus ministered. Matthew focuses on the fulfillment of prophecy and is written to the Jewish community. Luke liked careful investigation, he wanted to get the whole story recorded. His account usually provides the greatest detail and is written for the Gentile community.
Let's take a look at what they had to say:
Matthew & Luke pretty much provide the same account, while Mark hits on the highlights. John was the one prophesied in Isaiah 40:3 - the voice calling out in the wilderness 'prepare the way for the Lord.' John was sent to get people ready to hear the the message of Jesus. His message was pretty simple - stop talking the talk and start walking the walk. You say you love God, but your actions don't show it. So, give up this fake, shallow life & start truly living!! Baptism was, & is today, a public act that tells the world, "I want to live my life for someone else! I'm going to live it for God." How does John tell us to live for God? Treat your neighbors as yourselves. In fact, go so far as to make other people more important in your life than you make yourself. Be a servant, treat people fairly with love and compassion. You want to live for God, then show others His love. This good advice hasn't changed in 2,000 years. So take it to heart & start making some changes in your own life. Take a good look into your heart & figure out if you need to start treating people with a little more compassion and sincerity.
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