Things to talk about:

• How is John the Baptist described in this Gospel? Have you ever known anyone who was like John the Baptist?
• John the Baptist has a special job: to tell people about Jesus and to prepare them for his coming. How can you be like John the Baptist and tell more people about Jesus?
• John cries out to the people, “The kingdom of God is at hand, repent and believe the Gospel.” What media would John use today? What would his message be? #Jesusiscoming.

Things to do:

• John the Baptist pointed the way to God. Our parents, godparents, grandparents are usually the first people who show us the path to God. Discuss some of the traditions and values handed down to you. Write a note or send a text thanking these important role models for the gift of faith.
• Look at pictures from your baptism. What role did water and fire play?
• Find the ambo in your church. Describe what it looks like.

Closing Prayer

On December 8th, the Church celebrates the Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception, during which we recall that Mary was conceived without original sin. Pray this prayer to help you prepare for this Holy Day of Obligation.

O most Holy Virgin, immaculate in body and spirit, look kindly on us as we ask for your powerful intercession.

O most Holy Mother, receive our prayers as we present them to God.
[State your intentions here.]

O Mary, Mother of Jesus and our Mother, you intercede for us with your Son.
O Mary conceived without sin, pray for us who have recourse to thee. Amen.

Name those who need our prayers. Close with the Sign of the Cross.

Catholic Insight

In this Gospel, Matthew describes the work and preaching of John the Baptist.

John the Baptist appears in the tradition of the great prophets of Israel, preaching repentance and reform to the people of Israel. In fact, the description of John found in this reading is reminiscent of the description of the prophet Elijah (2 Kings 1:8). 

John marks the conversion of those who seek him out with a baptism of repentance. John himself identifies the difference between his baptism and the one yet to come: “I am baptizing you with water, for repentance . . . He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire.” (Matthew 3:11).

John makes very clear that his relationship to the Messiah yet to come (Jesus) is one of service and subservience: “. . . the one who is coming after me is mightier than I. I am not worthy to carry his sandals” (Matthew 3:11). 

John’s preaching of the coming of the Lord is a key theme of Advent. John’s message prepared the way for Jesus in the first century, and we, too, are called to prepare ourselves for Jesus’ coming. We respond to John’s message by our repentance and reform of our lives. We are also called to be prophets of Christ, who announce by our lives, as John did, the coming of the Lord.

Additional key concepts for this week:

John the Baptist – The news Mary receives about her cousin Elizabeth having a baby is part of the story of our salvation. The baby is John the Baptist; he is Jesus’ cousin. John is considered a bridge between the prophets of the Old and New Testaments. He is considered the last prophet, the one who announces Jesus’ coming before Jesus begins his public ministry.5 Things to Know about St. John the Baptist…

Prophets – Prophets in Israel warned the people or supported the people with words of encouragement and hope, depending on circumstances. The prophets lead us to God. Read more….

Repentance – changing our ways/behavior to be more like Jesus. John calls us to repentance, to be get ready for the coming of Jesus. What do you need to change to be ready for Christ? (Consider… be a good example of Christian attitudes, pray for those who are struggling and tell them you are praying for them, learn about problems people face and see how you can help….) Read more about repentance….

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Resources adapted from 52Sundays.com, Celebrating the Lectionary, At Home with the Word, Celebrating Families, Sunday Connection