We make a big deal about how Saint John the Baptist prepared the way for the Lord—saw him coming, witnessed the big epiphany moment when he baptized Jesus, told the crowd, “Behold, the Lamb of God”—and yet also said, “I did not know him,” and on top of that later sent two of his disciples to ask Jesus, “Are you the one who is to come, or should we look for another?” (Luke 7:19). You might be reminded of Jacob wrestling an angel but not realizing it until afterward: “Truly, the Lord is in this place and I did not know it!” (Genesis 28:16).

These ambiguities highlight the need to look for God at all times. They also remind you that God is invisible but everywhere, absent but always present, seemingly inactive at times yet guiding you nonetheless. These paradoxes are at the heart of faith. Embrace them.
 

• Isaiah says the servant people of God will become a "light to the nations." In what ways do I and other parish leadership help the people of the parish to be sources of goodness and light to the community?
• Saint Paul writes that those who belong to the church are "called to be holy." What do I understand holiness to mean? What are the practical steps one takes toward holiness? How do I encourage holiness in myself and others?
• John the Baptist call Jesus the "Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world." How can I promote a greater spirit of self-sacrifice in myself and those with whom I am in contact?

We make a big deal about how Saint John the Baptist prepared the way for the Lord—saw him coming, witnessed the big epiphany moment when he baptized Jesus, told the crowd, “Behold, the Lamb of God”—and yet also said, “I did not know him,” and on top of that later sent two of his disciples to ask Jesus, “Are you the one who is to come, or should we look for another?” (Luke 7:19). You might be reminded of Jacob wrestling an angel but not realizing it until afterward: “Truly, the Lord is in this place and I did not know it!” (Genesis 28:16).

These ambiguities highlight the need to look for God at all times. They also remind you that God is invisible but everywhere, absent but always present, seemingly inactive at times yet guiding you nonetheless. These paradoxes are at the heart of faith. Embrace them.

• Isaiah says the servant people of God will become a “light to the nations.” In what ways do I and other parish leadership help the people of the parish to be sources of goodness and light to the community?
• Saint Paul writes that those who belong to the church are “called to be holy.” What do I understand holiness to mean? What are the practical steps one takes toward holiness? How do I encourage holiness in myself and others?
• John the Baptist call Jesus the “Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world.” How can I promote a greater spirit of self-sacrifice in myself and those with whom I am in contact?

We speak of Jesus “taking away” the sin of the world.

• How has Jesus “taken away” your sin? What does that process look like? Is there an “all at once” sense of being cleansed, or perhaps a slower healing process that leads to greater wholeness?
• How has your own journey from brokenness to wholeness shaped and informed your ministry?