Monday of the Fourth Week of Advent

“When the time arrived for Elizabeth to have her child she gave birth to a son. Her neighbors and relatives heard that the Lord had shown his great mercy toward her, and they rejoiced with her. When they came on the eighth day to circumcise the child, they were going to call him Zechariah after his father, but his mother said in reply, "No. He will be called John." But they answered her, "There is no one among your relatives who has this name." So they made signs, asking his father what he wished him to be called. He asked for a tablet and wrote, "John is his name," and all were amazed. Immediately his mouth was opened, his tongue freed, and he spoke blessing God. Then fear came upon all their neighbors, and all these matters were discussed throughout the hill country of Judea. All who heard these things took them to heart, saying, "What, then, will this child be? For surely the hand of the Lord was with him.” -Luke 1:57-66
 
Saint John the Baptist heralded Christ's coming, and although he was given this most essential duty, he never lost sight of the Truth. John knew that he must decrease so that Christ would increase.
 
The same question can be asked about each of God’s children, “What then will this child be?” I once lived in the presence of the Holy Spirit, and I learned the Truth of my existence. All my most significant accomplishments were but a speck of dust compared to Our Lord's grandeur.
 
In these waning days of Advent, may we take to heart the same Truth known by John. We are but tools of the Lord. If we give our permission, the Master will use us to paint a picture for the whole world to see. May they never know the brush used on the canvas, but only the message and meaning God intended to convey through His painting. 
 
Saint Victoria, pray for us.
 
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Jesus, I trust in you.