St. Luke’s Institute

June 24, 2014

CALLED BY GOD +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Ø Rdgs R clear John/Baptist called before birth by G

Ø G selects him 2 prepare way 4 his Son 2 undertake his mission in world

Ø While G calls John, John needs 2 cooperate & respond

Ø We can summarize John’s response in 2 wds: renounce & announce

JOHN’S RENOUNCING ++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Ø 1^st John renounces normal comforts of human life

Ø He sees beyond passing pleasures of world

Ø Sees something < imp, something of infinite & eternal value that brings us lasting happiness

Ø So John lives an austere life

Ø Lives in desert, off of land, & wears coarse, woolen, scratchy, uncomfortable clothes

Ø Does this out of intense, singular devotion 2 God

Ø Renouncing so much opens his heart, mind, & spirit, 2 wonderful message G bringing 2 earth

OUR RENOUNCING ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Ø We’re probably not called 2 renounce in same way

Ø Our renouncing ~ not filling up lives w/ so many possessions, activities, & concerns that blur/muffle

Ø Our renouncing ~ keeping space 4 G & R relationship w/ G, & 4 for prayer, reflection & Mass

JOHN’S ANNOUNCING ++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Ø So John renounces and we renounce … and then notice he announces

Ø Announces coming of K/G in J

Ø And typical of holy people, he does this w/ humility

Ø Humbly, able 2 say, “Behold, 1 coming after me; I‘m not worthy 2 unfasten sandals of feet”

OUR ANNOUNCING ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Ø Humility = essential trait in R own announcing too

Ø Perhaps w/ this virtue, we announce not by saying anything, but simply by living w/ reverence 4 God & respect 4 all G’s made

Ø We announce by living w/ R focus beyond selves

CONCLUSION +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Ø In sum, then, renounce and announce

Ø This was life of John/Baptist

Ø It’s a good pattern 4 R own lives as well

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