Saturday, Third Week of Advent
Theme: John the Baptist
Symbol: Sea Shell
Prayer of Ven. Bruno Lanteri
Almighty and Eternal God, I (name), although most unworthy, but encouraged by your compassion and infinite mercy, and by the desire of serving you, offer before the Most Holy Virgin Mary and all the Court of Heaven, to your Divine Majesty, this day, and all my thoughts, words and actions in it. I humbly beg of your infinite goodness and mercy, by the Blood of Jesus Christ, that you choose to accept this offering in the odor of sweetness, and that as you have given me the grace to desire and to make this offering, so also you grant me the grace to fulfill it. Amen.
O Virgin immaculately conceived, put into my heart those things of your Son most pleasing to him. Amen.
Scripture: Matthew 3: 1-3
In those days John the Baptist appeared, preaching in the desert of Judea [and] saying, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand!” It was of him that the prophet Isaiah had spoken when he said: “A voice of one crying out in the desert, ‘Prepare the way of the Lord, make straight his paths.’”
Reflection: Before a major event takes place or special guest comes to visit, there is usually some form of preparation to be done. Our long expected Visitor is close by. He is comfortable with places that are low. He yearns to be accommodated in hearts that stay low. John the Baptist is therefore asking a room for him, because we have a lot to gain if he finds a suitable abode in us. A critical self examination is needed to check areas in our spiritual life that need finishing touches in preparation.