John the Baptist follows a long line of prophets like Jeremiah, sent by God to the Israelites whenever they strayed from the Covenant; when they would become so focused on their desires for wealth, power, and pleasure that they forgot to care for the orphans, widows and strangers among them. Prophets are always among us, but our ears aren't always open to hear them.
      In the early 1980s, author and priest, Henri Nouwen, returned from Latin America and began touring the United States, determined to awaken his audiences to the violence against the poor that was being funded by their tax dollars. He warned that if we continued to gather in the wealth of the world at the expense of the southern hemisphere, we would need to build walls to protect our wealth from the world's poor.
      Reflection: The walls now exist. Henri Nouwen might agree with those who say the walls along the border are immoral and in effective. Is it possible that we have become so protective of our wealth and comfort that we, like the Israelites, are ignoring the widows, orphans and strangers? Who is my neighbor?

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"Who do you say that I am," asks Jesus? Christ also asks each one of us "who do you say you are?" Have you ever considered the possibility that God may be calling you to the ordained or religious life? If you'd like to talk about it, please call the Office of Vocation Awareness at (5850461-2890 or visit their website: www.dor.org/vocations.

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From a 5th grade religion class:
    God is like Scotch Tape-- you can't see Him but you know He's there!