Dear Fellow Disciples,

“Behold, I proclaim to you good news of great joy that will be for all people. For today in the city of David a savior has been born for you who is Christ and Lord” (Luke 2:10-11). These words of the angel to the shepherds on the night of the Nativity are, as the angel said, “for all people,” including us. They bring us joy and hope. God entered our history. He became Emmanuel, God-with-us (cf. Isaiah 7:14). “The Word became flesh and dwelt among us” (John 1:14).

These holidays are sometimes a bit difficult for many of us, either due to loneliness, illness, family problems or because we are far from home. However, these are days to rejoice not in the things of the world, but in the hope of the Lord who is coming. In the psalm we say today, Let the Lord enter, he is King of Glory! He is the one who comes on these holidays to brighten up our lives. The Emmanuel that saves.

Dear Fellow Disciples, peace.

The way Jesus ministered left John the Baptist a bit confused. It was quite far from the apocalyptic schemes preached by the Baptizer. From there comes the doubt regarding the connection between his words and actions. That's why John sends his disciples to Jesus to be certain of this messianic identity.

Dear Fellow disciples, peace.

The preaching of John the Baptist focused on the theme of conversion. The Greek word metanoia points towards a profound change in the life of a person, way beyond feelings and passing emotions. It has to do with a process in which selfishness gives place to love, hatred is conquered by forgiveness, and solidarity becomes an imperative. Love, forgiveness and solidarity then becomes the mark by which the converted person is known. Conversion shown only by nice words and good intentions is fake! It is not sufficient for those who wish to welcome the Messiah.