The expectant joy that is evident in the first two readings and the Responsorial psalm becomes a real-life experience for John the Baptist. He recognizes the Lord as "one standing among us." He can hardly contain himself as he exclaims repeatedly to his hearers¡K "I am not ¡K I am not ¡K" John's humble attitude as a creature before his Creator reveals to us the basic attitude which characterizes true humility and prayer.

John the Baptist waits on the sidelines to announce the coming of the Messiah whose presence will be made known by the poor hearing the Good News, the broken-hearted being healed and captives being liberated from oppression.

Do our lives reflect the mission profile of the Messiah as outlined by Isaiah? Our compassionate response to the Spirit calling us to continue the mission of Jesus will result in a rebirth of integrity and goodness on our earth. Only when we are committed to this cause can we echo Mary's song of humble and spontaneous thanksgiving.