The book of the prophet Malachi is the last book in the Old Testament. We do not know a lot of details about this prophet. It is estimated by Scripture scholars that he lived in the era around 500 years before the birth of Christ. Malachi often speaks about the covenant between God and his people. He also speaks often about sin and repentance in preparation for the coming of the Lord. In the beginning of today’s reading, God states through the prophet Malachi: “Lo, I am sending my messenger to prepare the way before me.” Malachi appears to be speaking about the great prophet Elijah, who prepared the way for the Messiah. This paves the way for John the Baptist, who is seen as being the last in the line of the prophets of Ancient Israel. The Gospel of Matthew, which appears right after the book of Malachi in our Bible, talks about John the Baptist preparing a way for the Lord. Appropriately, we hear about the circumcision and naming of John the Baptist today, the precursor of Jesus, his message, and his ministry. We ourselves were asked to prepare a way for the Lord in our lives during this time of preparation and waiting during Advent. Our waiting was not to be passive, but to be filled with actions and a plan. But let us not give up our plans or preparations when Advent comes to an end. Each day, let us prepare a place in our hearts and in our lives for the Lord.
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