Today’s readings form a clear picture of what God’s intentions are. If we look closely it is evident that God has extended an olive branch to people, with the intention of amending the relationship between God and the world. Prophet Malachi foretells the coming of John the Baptist, who is to prepare the way and sound the bells of the coming of Christ the Messiah. Why go through all these, quite simply so that the children will return to their Heavenly Father. God chooses to fix what man has broken, initiating an eternal relationship which is an extension of love & forgiveness.

John the Baptist had an appointed mission, so did Jesus of Nazareth. This was to spread the Kingdom of God. What they received from God they let it flow out to heal the world and that is our mission as well. Often we are only concerned about receiving but not generous when it comes to giving. Giving not only means material things but sharing the same love & forgiveness that was extended to us. God expects us to give to our neighbor what he has given us. Christmas after Christmas how many relationships remain sour with family and friends? We can examine our hearts and see especially since it is that time of the year to love and forgive. Is there any relationship that can be amended? We can take the initiative to extend an olive branch and with it to partake in God’s mission on earth.“To turn the hearts of the fathers to their children, and the hearts of the children to their fathers”. Mal 4:24.

In today’s Gospel proclamation through Zechariah we can see evi¬dence of what happens when we align with God’s mission. Zechariah was able to speak only when he proclaimed what God had intended to happen. Similarly, when we align with God’s mission that he has entrusted us with; breakthroughs happen and miracles take place. There will be rejoicing and God will be exalted through us and that is our call today. The same power that was upon John the Baptist is the same power that works in us and enables us to have a relationship with our Heavenly Father.

Prayer: Abba Father, help me to take the same love that you have extended to me, to the world. Amen