December 5, 2020 

(Enjoy this YouTube prelude to Sue’s reflection)

Prepare the Way of the Lord 

On the First Sunday of Advent, we were called to wait and watch, to be ready for the coming of our Lord. This week, we are told, “Prepare the way of the Lord, make straight his paths!” What are we preparing for? The coming of Jesus, the Son of God who was, who is, who will be. We celebrate His Incarnation, we invite him again into our hearts, we look forward to His coming again. 

WHY do we prepare? Because we are yearning for His return, His presence among us, for the day when “The glory of the Lord shall be revealed and all flesh shall see it together!” (Isaiah 40:5) 

HOW do we prepare? The readings today offer some instructions. As John the Baptist was the messenger in the desert in his day, today we are the messengers in the spiritual desert of our time: Go up onto the high mountain, Zion, herald of glad tidings; cry out at the top of your voice, Jerusalem, herald of good news!” Isaiah 40: 9-11 

WHAT is the message we are to herald? 

The readings from Isaiah and 1 Peter provide suggestions: 

1. Actively strive to bring hope: “Comfort, comfort my people…speak tenderly to Jerusalem” – why? because “her guilt is expiated” … Jesus’ mission becomes ours: “like a shepherd to feed his flock, gather the lambs in His arms, carry them in his bosom, and lead the ewes with care.” 

2. Repent: “make straight in the wasteland a highway for our God.” (Isaiah 40:3) In other words, metanoia, turn back, clear out the clutter in our hearts to receive the Lord Jesus when he comes; make room for Him to enter in. 

3. “Conduct yourselves with holiness and devotion, waiting for and hastening the coming of the day of God” ……. therefore, “be eager to be found without spot or blemish before him, at peace” (2 Peter 3:12, 14). 

So, as we prepare for the celebration of Christ’s coming, now and in the future, let us ask ourselves: What conversion of mind, heart, and life is the Lord asking of me? How do I herald and actively live the good news? Do I provide a message of hope by offering comfort and reassurance to those around me who doubt, who fear, who are grieving or in pain? Do I prepare myself to model a holy and devout life? Have I purged the clutter in my soul to make room for Christ to dwell there, allowing His light to shine through? How can I “make straight in the wasteland a highway for our God”? Have I placed obstacles in the way of others or myself? Do I see and affirm the face of Christ in others, even those with whom I disagree? 

Is the task too demanding, the responsibility too great? John the Baptist preached a baptism of repentance, but we are baptized with the Holy Spirit! In fact, just as we are called to prepare the way of the Lord for the world, we have been prepared, equipped with the gifts of the Holy Spirit to herald the good news. Go forth in the peace of Christ to prepare the way! 

De Colores – Sue