This homily emphasizes John the Baptist as the "Preparer of the way of the Lord." Early in the book of John, just after describing God and Jesus at Creation, John the Apostle identifies John the Baptist as "a man named John . . . (who) was sent from God. He came for testimony to testify to the Light . . . so that all might believe through Him" (John 1:6-8). Application: How can we "prepare the way of the Lord" in our own lives?