‘I am, as Isaiah prophesied: a voice that cries in the wilderness: Make a straight way for the Lord.’Jn.1:23
John the Baptist is interrogated by church leaders as to who he is. John denies being the Messiah or any great prophet. He simply says he is a voice and a voice in the wilderness at that. It's what his voice is saying that is important. "Make a straight way for the Lord".
John didn't have to go to the Temple or even be inside Jerusalem for his voice to be heard. People came out into the wilderness to him. Jesus says when the Son of Man is lifted up all men will be drawn to him. John was lifting up the truth and the truth is Jesus. Consequently, people were drawn to him.
My parish of Saint Matthew's is the smallest in the city, out in the suburbs, in the wilderness so to speak. We are planning to host another Alpha Course as an outreach to the unchurched in the city. Jesus is lifted up, he will draw the people in. All we are called to do is make straight the path for people.
Jesus, you know my path sometimes meanders, is not always straight for you. Help me be a straight-path person so I may lead others to you.
Saint Philip Neri, please pray for me.
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