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As we quite expect, St. John the Baptist figures quite prominently in the liturgy of Advent. This week, I would like to share with you the reflection of Fr. Paul Scalia of the Diocese of Arlington on St. John the Baptist in his book, That Nothing May Be Lost.

Upon reflection we realize that John the Baptist is the perfect figure for Advent. He is the precursor of the Savior we await. Contrary to first impressions, he is the messenger of joy. His life and message remind us that Advent is not yet Christmas—that this penitential time leads to joy only if we heed its message. John the Baptist is joy’s perfect messenger because he shows us its necessary elements: repentance, humility, and sacrifice.

Repentance—The greatest obstacle to joy is sin, which separates us from the Lord. Thus, John’s message brings joy; it prompts us to leave sin behind and conform our wills to God’s, to reestablish union with Him, our “exceeding joy.”

Humility—John drew a lot of attention to himself...and yet he directed all the attention, honor, and reverence to our Lord. John sends the crowds to Jesus: “He must increase. I must decrease.” If sin severs us from joy, pride blocks us from it. Pride insists on my way, that the world be on my terms. By way of humility we allow God to define things. Humility means...not to be concerned about our ego.

Sacrifice—John...did not live his life for this world...to become wealthy or popular. His life was constantly surrendered as a witness to Christ. John shows us that we attain joy only by giving of ourselves—by renouncing ourselves. Renunciation...puts false and fleeting joys in their place.

Guide us, Holy Baptist, along the way of repentance, humility, and sacrifice to the joys of Christmas!

Frè-m ak Sè-m yo,

Nou konn sa deja, Sen Jan Batis pran yon plas espesyal nan litiji tan Lavan. Semen sa, mwen ta renmen pataje ak nou refleksyon Pe Pol Scalia kap travay nan Dyosez Alington sou Sen Jan Batis, nan yon liv li ekri ki gen tit: «That Nothing May Be Lost» (Pou Anyen pa pedi).

Le nou byen reflechi, nou we Jan Batis se yon pesonaj ki kadre ak tan Lavan-an. Li se sila ki vi-n anonse Sove-a nap tann nan. Kontreman ak sa nou ta panse, Jan Batis se yon mesaje ke kontan. Lavi  li ak mesaj li-a raple nou ke Lavan se pako Nwel…Jan Batis se yon bon mesaje ke kontan paske li montre nou twa eleman ki nesese pou nou gen ke kontan sa, sa vle di : repantans, fe ke nou tou piti, ak sakrifis.

Repantans—Pi gwo obstak nap jwenn sou chemen ke kontan-an se nan peche-a; se li menm ki separe nou ak Bondye. Konsa, mesaj Jan pote ke kontan pou nou. Li envite nou pou nou kite peche-a deye epi pou nou konfome volonte nou yo ak volonte Bondye. Li mande nou tou pou nou retabli relasyon nou ak Bondye; Li menm ki kapab ban nou ke kontan ke peson pakab mezure-a.

Fe ke nou tou piti—Jan Batis atire anpil atansyon sou li. Men pi plis toujou, li vire je nou pou nou gade epi pou nou bay Jezu lone, ak respe ke Jezu merite. Jan Batis te voye foul yo bay Jezu ak bel pawol sa-a: «Se pou Jezu grandi epi mwen menm pou-m fe bak». Si peche-a koupe nan ke kontan nou, logey la menm bloke ke kontan-an. Logey la fe nou bay tet nou plis vale ke li merite, komsi tout bagay se jan nou vle pou-l ta ye. Le nou fe ke nou tou piti, nou kite Bondye bay bagay yo yon lot sans. «Imilite» se sispann pran tet nou o serye, pou nou fe ke nou tou piti.

Sakrifis—Jan Batis pat viv lavi li pou mond sa-a oubyen pou-l te ka gen lajan oubyen popilarite. Li te viv tout lavi li tankou yon moun ki te remet tet li totalman bay Kris la. Jan Batis montre nou pou nou jwenn ke kontan-n nan fason nap mete tet nou nan sevis lot yo, antan nap renonse prop tet pa nou. Le nou renonse tet nou, sa pemet nou mete ke kontan ki pa veritab yo nan plas yo.

Sen Jan Batis, tanpri gide nou sou chemen repantans, imilite ak sakrifis la jiskaske nou rive nan ke kontan fet Nwel la!

Avèk afeksyon,
Msgr Gervasio

The Diocese of Trenton is committed to the norms of the U.S. Bishop’s Charter for the Protection of Children and Young People in regard to the reporting and investigation of sexual abuse allegations involving minors.  If you have been sexually abused as a minor by anyone representing the Catholic Church, or if you know of someone who was, you can report that abuse through the diocesan Hotline: 1-888-296-2965 or via e-mail at abuseline@dioceseoftrenton.org.  Such allegations are reported to the appropriate law enforcement agencies.