Gospel Summary
The Jewish leaders questioned John the Baptist asking who he was. They even took a few guesses themselves suggesting that he was the Messiah, Elijah, or a prophet. John had his own following who would have been glad to acknowledge him in any of these three categories, but John made it clear that he was simply announcing the one to come who would be much greater than himself.

Reflection for Families
So often our identity is tied to another person. We are Jim's mom, Tom's wife, Sue's husband, or Mary's daughter. Like John did in today's gospel, we may even define ourselves by who we are not. John made it clear he was not the Messiah, a prophet, or Elijah returned. What John is, is the same thing we are, and that is a heraldÑthe person who brings the Good News about Jesus Christ into the lives of others. In our families we do this by our faithful participation in worship, prayer, and actions.

Bringing the Gospel into Your Family
Just like John claimed that he was a witness to testify to the light, make plans as a family to bring the Light of Christ into the world. Light candles at your evening meal. When you have finished eating, turn out all the lights so that you see only by the light of the candles. Go around the table asking each person to think of one action that he/she will do this week to announce Jesus among us. In a few nights, check in with each other to see how the actions were received.

Discussion Starters
1. One of the hardest parts of my path to straighten is...
2. I am a lot like John the Baptist because...
3. Someone once showed me the way by...

Connecting to Faith First Legacy Edition
At Home Family Guide, theme 24
Grade 1, p. 243
Grade 2, p. 243 and chapter 6
Grade 3, p. 243
Grade 4, p. 243
Grade 5, p. 243
Grade 6, p. 243 and chapter 14

Connecting to Faith First
At Home Family Guide, theme 24
Kindergarten, p. 159
Grade 1, p. 230
Grade 2, p. 282 and chapter 6
Grade 3, p. 282
Grade 4, p. 282
Grade 5, p. 282
Grade 6, p. 282 and chapter 14
Junior High, Creed and Prayer, p. 313
Junior High, Liturgy and Morality, p. 313