Episode 2454: Preparing the Way for Christ - Morning Episode

Welcome to today's episode, where we will delve into the themes of divine preparation, silence, and working for the glory of God in the company of Jesus. We will draw upon the wisdom of St. John Baptist de la Salle, the reflection of Fr. Matthew Kauth on St. John the Baptist, and the words of the prophet Isaiah, all within the context of traditional Catholic teaching. Through this lens, we will explore how our work, silence, and trust in God can be directed toward His greater glory and the salvation of souls.
Let us begin with a prayer to open our hearts and minds to the truth of God’s Word.
Working for the Glory of God in the Company of Jesus
St. John Baptist de la Salle, a great saint and educator, reminds us of the importance of working for the glory of God in the company of Jesus:
"It is in the company of Jesus that you work for the glory of God."

This simple yet profound statement speaks to the core of the Christian life. Our work, whether it is in the realm of education, service, or everyday tasks, must always be directed toward the glory of God. But what makes our work truly holy and effective is when it is done in the company of Jesus. We are not called to labor alone; rather, Christ accompanies us in all that we do. His presence transforms our work from mere human effort into a divine mission.
The traditional Catholic understanding of vocation emphasizes that our work is not separate from our spiritual life. Every action, every task, can be offered to God as a sacrifice of praise if it is done with love and in union with Christ. This is the essence of sanctifying our daily lives: to see every moment as an opportunity to work for God’s glory, with Jesus as our constant companion.
The Catechism of the Catholic Church reminds us:
"The laity, dedicated as they are to Christ and anointed by the Holy Spirit, are marvelously called and equipped so that all their works, prayers, and apostolic undertakings, family and married life, daily work, relaxation of mind and body, if they are accomplished in the Spirit indeed even the hardships of life if patiently borne—all these become spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ." (CCC 901)
This teaching invites us to recognize the value of our work, no matter how ordinary it may seem. When done with Jesus and for the glory of God, it becomes a means of grace, a way to participate in the mission of the Church.
The Silent Preparation of St. John the Baptist
Fr. Matthew Kauth beautifully reflects on the mission of St. John the Baptist, highlighting the significance of silence in his preparation:
"When Mary's voice landed on the fetal ears of [John] the Baptist, he was called. He was sanctified. Mary was the voice of the Word. John was to become that voice, crying in the desert. He transformed his mouth into a sharp sword. John would clear the path with that sword. The path to each man's heart was filled with nettles and briars, overgrown with thorns and hardened by constant commerce. John would clear the way and prepare the ground...John did not begin by preaching. He prepared his preaching by silence."
Before John the Baptist became the voice crying out in the desert, he spent years in silence. This silence was not empty but filled with the presence of God. In the stillness of the desert, John allowed the Word of God to take root in his heart, preparing him for his mission. His silence was a necessary preparation for the powerful preaching that would follow—a preaching that would prepare the way for Christ.
In our modern world, filled with noise and distractions, this lesson of silence is more relevant than ever. Silence allows us to hear the voice of God, to prepare our hearts for His Word, and to ready ourselves for the mission He has entrusted to us. Just as John cleared the path for Christ, we too are called to clear the way in our hearts and in the hearts of others.
Pope Benedict XVI once said:
"In silence, we learn to listen to the voice of God; we also learn the art of authentic communication. Noise and talkativeness do not foster reflection and understanding. Silence, on the other hand, does."

By embracing silence, we make room for God to speak to us, to guide us, and to prepare us for the work He has for us.
Trusting in God as Our Salvation
The prophet Isaiah proclaims a truth that resonates throughout salvation history:
"Behold, God is my salvation; I will trust, and will not be afraid; for the Lord God is my strength and my song, and he has become my salvation." (Isaiah 12:2)
This verse encapsulates the foundation of our faith. In all our work, in all our efforts to glorify God and prepare the way for Christ, we must trust in Him completely. God is our salvation—He is the one who saves, strengthens, and sustains us. Without this trust, our work becomes fruitless, and our efforts in vain.
St. John the Baptist trusted completely in God’s plan for his life. Even in the face of persecution and ultimately martyrdom, John’s faith remained unshaken. He knew that his life was in God’s hands, and that his mission was to prepare the way for the Messiah, no matter the cost.

This trust is what allows us to persevere in our work for God’s glory. It is what gives us the courage to proclaim the truth, even when it is inconvenient or difficult. St. Paul encourages us in his second letter to Timothy:
"I charge you in the presence of God and of Christ Jesus, who will judge the living and the dead, and by his appearing and his kingly power: proclaim the word; be persistent whether it is convenient or inconvenient; convince, reprimand, encourage through all patience and teaching." (2 Timothy 4:1-2)
Like St. Paul, like St. John the Baptist, we are called to be faithful in our mission, trusting that God will give us the strength and grace we need to fulfill it.
Conclusion:
In today’s episode, we have reflected on the themes of working for God’s glory in the company of Jesus, the silent preparation of St. John the Baptist, and the trust we are called to place in God as our salvation. Through the examples of the saints and the wisdom of the Church, we are reminded that our work, when done in union with Christ, becomes a powerful means of glorifying God and leading others to Him. Let us embrace silence, trust in God, and continue on the path He has set before us with courage and faith.
Closing Prayer:
In the Name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost. Amen.
Heavenly Father, we thank You for the example of St. John the Baptist, who prepared the way for Your Son with boldness and humility. Help us to follow his example, embracing silence and trust in You as we work for Your glory. May we always seek Your will in all that we do, and may our lives be a reflection of Your love and mercy. Through the intercession of the Blessed Virgin Mary, may we remain faithful to our mission and bring many souls to You. We ask this through Christ, our Lord. Amen.
In the Name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost. Amen.