God calls us with a purpose. In the first reading, we see how God’s plan for a person begins even before birth. This is echoed in the Second Reading, which affirms that we were chosen by God from the beginning to carry out his work. Life is never meaningless. No one is an accident; each person is a part of God’s plan. At times, it can be difficult to discern what God is asking of us. Even the prophets wrestled with uncertainty and struggled to understand their calling. Yet the words from Isaiah offer reassurance and hope: God’s purpose remains steadfast, even in seasons of hardship or confusion. His call is not erased by difficulty but often revealed more clearly through it. John the Baptist’s ministry was to prepare the way. He directed people’s attention to Jesus, the fulfillment of God’s promise. Jesus’ mission is to bring humanity back into communion with the Father, and he calls us to recognize him as the one who leads us to eternal life.

PRAYER: Abba Father, help us to listen to your call and to trust in your plan. Amen.