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Manila Bulletin devider Opinion devider I am sending my messenger ahead of you

I am sending my messenger ahead of you

Published Dec 15, 2022 12:02 am
REFLECTIONS TODAY We believe that angels guide us in our life, bringing us closer to God. The word “angel” comes from the Greek word angelos, which may also mean “messenger.” In today’s Gospel, the expression ton angelon mou (“my messenger”) is used. The expression “my messenger” (Hebrew mal‘āki) became the title of the last book of the Old Testament as arranged in the Catholic Canon, the Book of Malachi. Jesus uses this expression, quoting the Scripture (Mal 3:1), and attributes it to John the Baptist. The Gospel speaks of John the Baptist as the messenger who prepares the way of the Lord. Jesus speaks highly of John. John is Jesus’ precursor who prepares the way so that those who are open to conversion might eventually accept Jesus’ message. Do we want to be converted? Are we open to be guided by the people sent to us by God so that we might become better persons? This Advent, how can we play the role of an angel or messenger so that others may also be brought closer to God? Gospel • Luke 7:24-30 When the messengers of John the Baptist had left, Jesus began to speak to the crowds about John. “What did you go out to the desert to see — a reed swayed by the wind? Then what did you go out to see? Someone dressed in fine garments? Those who dress luxuriously and live sumptuously are found in royal palaces. Then what did you go out to see? A prophet? Yes, I tell you, and more than a prophet. This is the one about whom Scripture says: Behold, I am sending my messenger ahead of you, he will prepare your way before you. I tell you, among those born of women, no one is greater than John; yet the least in the Kingdom of God is greater than he.” (All the people who listened, including the tax collectors, who were baptized with the baptism of John, acknowledged the righteousness of God; but the Pharisees and scholars of the law, who were not baptized by him, rejected the plan of God for themselves.) Source: “365 Days with the Lord 2022,” St. Pauls, 7708 St. Paul Rd., SAV, Makati City (Phils.); Tel.: 632-895-9701; Fax 632-895-7328; E-mail: [email protected]; Website: http://www.stpauls.ph.

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