EXPLORE THE SUNDAY GOSPEL
The Preaching of John the Baptist
The crowds asked John the Baptist,
“What should we do?”
He said to them in reply,
“Whoever has two cloaks
should share with the person who has none.
And whoever has food should do likewise.”
Even tax collectors came to be baptized and they
said to him,
“Teacher, what should we do?”
He answered them,
“Stop collecting more than what is prescribed.”
Soldiers also asked him,
“And what is it that we should do?”
He told them,
“Do not practice extortion,
do not falsely accuse anyone,
and be satisfied with your wages.”
Now the people were filled with expectation,
and all were asking in their hearts
whether John might be the Christ.
John answered them all, saying,
“I am baptizing you with water,
but one mightier than I is coming.
I am not worthy to loosen the thongs of his
sandals.
He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and
fire.
His winnowing fan is in his hand to clear his
threshing floor
and to gather the wheat into his barn,
but the chaff he will burn with unquenchable
fire.”
Exhorting them in many other ways,
he preached good news to the people.
MEET OUR EXTENDED FAMILY
Bl. Jesús Emilio Jaramillo Monsalve (Feast Day October 3)
February 16, 1916 – October 3, 1989
Jesús Emilio was born in Santo Domingo, Colombia, and entered seminary at the age of 13. He was ordained a priest in 1940 and entered the Xaverian Missionaries. While pursuing doctoral studies in Bogotá, he served as a chaplain in a women’s prison, a spiritual director for seminarians, and novice master for his community. Jesús Emilio was consecrated as a bishop in 1971, taking the name Jaramillo. The region entrusted to his care suffered from the ravages of the Colombian civil war where drug trafficking was rampant. Through his efforts, he was able to bring stability and security to the region, despite the powerful influence of the drug cartels and rebel groups. As bishop, Jaramillo championed the rights of the poor and was known as a dedicated shepherd who tirelessly worked for justice.
Bishop Jaramillo was kidnapped on October 2, 1989, as he and another priest were making parish visits. The rebels eventually released the priest but murdered the bishop in revenge for the constant criticism of the rebels and his work for peace for the people of Colombia. Blessed Jesús Emilio Jaramillo Monsalve was beatified by Pope Francis on September 8, 2017. His memory is celebrated on October 3, the anniversary of his martyrdom.
TAKE TIME TO CHAT
· In the first part of today’s Gospel, Jesus tells the crowds to share food and clothing with those who go without. What are some ways your family can share with those who are less fortunate?
· The preaching of John the Baptist inspired and filled the people with a feeling of expectation. Share a time when you were inspired or filled with expectation.
· Why do you think people thought that John the Baptist might be the Christ (Messiah)?
· In his lifetime, Bl. Jesús Emilio Jaramillo Monsalve tirelessly worked for justice. What are some injustices in the world today? How can you work for justice in your neighborhood, school, and place of work?
FAMILY FUN
Family Foot Washing
We hear John the Baptist today talking about not being “worthy to loosen the thongs of his sandals” when referring to Jesus, yet we know he baptized Jesus. Today’s foot washing activity helps families remember that we too are called to mirror John’s humility and serve one another while pointing them towards Christ.
Invite your family to wash each other’s feet at home. Ensure that everyone gets a turn. You’ll need some towels (one for the floor and others for drying the feet), a chair, a pitcher or large glass of warm water, and a basin or large bowl. Prepare the space with a towel on the floor and a chair on top of that. Have the other items nearby. Begin by reading John 13:1-15. Then invite each family member to have their feet washed. When someone gets their feet washed:
• Invite them to sit in the chair.
• Place their feet over the large bowl.
• Pour the warm water over their feet.
• Dry their feet with a towel.
• Optional: Kiss the top of their feet when you are finished.
• Then invite the next person to sit in the chair to have their feet washed.
RECIPE OF THE WEEK
Homemade Alfredo Sauce
White is often associated with purity, peace, and snow. Enjoy this white sauce as you dream about a white Christmas!
2 cloves garlic minced
2 Tbsp. olive oil
Brown above ingredients
Add:
2 cups heavy whipping cream
1 stick butter
¾ cup Shredded Parmesan cheese
¼ cup Shredded Asiago cheese
Stir till thickened over low flame. Serve over pasta.
FAMILY PRAYER
Help Us Prepare
Lord,
You send prophets as your messengers to help point us back to you.
Thank you for John the Baptist, who reminds us to prepare for your coming. Help us to be like him: proclaiming your goodness and sharing your Word with others, even when it is not an easy or popular thing to do.
Guide our actions and open our eyes so that we may “prepare the way of the Lord” in our home.
We ask this in your all-powerful Name. Amen.
LITURGY LINK
How many times did you hear the Holy Spirit mentioned at Mass today?
FAMILY CHALLENGE
Call your local parish and get a list of a few people who are homebound or in nursing care. Make (and send) homemade Christmas cards with words of hope and encouragement.
FUN FACTS
The third Sunday of Advent is traditionally called Gaudete Sunday. Gaudete is the Latin word meaning “rejoice.” Some people mark this Sunday on their Advent wreath with a pink candle instead of a purple candle. This Sunday is a joyful reminder that our salvation is near.
