When we hear the name "John the Baptizer," we should immediately be filled with anticipation. When John was born, circumcised, and named, his father was instantly and miraculously able to speak for the first time in nine months (Lk 1:64). Before Jesus' public ministry, John miraculously inspired thousands of people of all kinds to journey into the desert to be immersed in repentance (see Lk 3:3ff). The awesome archangel Gabriel revealed that John would even prepare for Jesus' final coming by turning "the hearts of fathers to their children" (Lk 1:17; see also Mal 3:23-24). When the name "John the Baptizer" is mentioned, we are on the threshold of a miracle of repentance and conversion.

Therefore, expect:

• to be surprised today,
• the Great Jubilee to explode in God's glory today,
• planks of sin to be removed from our eyes (Mt 7:5),
• prodigal sons and daughters to return home (see Lk 15:17ff),
• the conversion of enemies of the Church (see Acts 9:3ff),
• "a year of reconciliation between disputing parties, a year of manifold conversions" (Toward the Third Millennium, Pope John Paul II, 14), and
• more than we can ask for or imagine (Eph 3:20).

Nihil Obstat:  Reverend Robert L. Hagedorn, December 16, 1999

Imprimatur:  †Most Reverend Carl K. Moeddel, Vicar General and Auxiliary Bishop of the Archdiocese of Cincinnati, December 18, 1999