From today’s Scripture: “I am the voice of one crying out in the desert, ‘Make straight the way of the Lord,’ as Isaiah the prophet said.”—Jn 1:23

When I was in our Missouri mission, one of the ministries I had was helping at an after-school program. On my first day, before I could introduce myself, the little kindergarten kids looked at me and said, Who are you? Do you have children? Where do you live? Why are you here? I answered their questions and explained that I was a Catholic Sister, and I was here to help. This led to even more questions.

In the Gospel today, John finds himself bombarded by questions. Who are you? Are you Elijah? Are you the Prophet? John denied being the Christ, Elijah, or the Prophet. When asked, “What do you have to say for yourself?” He replied, “I am the voice of one crying out in the desert, ‘Make straight the way of the Lord.’” John’s identity is in pointing others to Christ. His words and actions do not point to himself. He knows who he is in God’s plan.

In knowing whose and who we are, we can live as who God has called us to be. Do my words and actions reveal Christ to others? Am I preparing the way of the Lord in my own life, in my family, in my community? In my ministry and service, do I seek recognition for myself?

Let us pray: Lord, I pray for the grace to be a humble servant like John the Baptist. Help me to know who I am in your plan. I ask for the wisdom and courage to always point others to you without seeking to be recognized. Amen.

Today’s author is Sister Darlene Presley, Mother Superior of the Glenmary Sisters.

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