Second Sunday of Advent

Luke 3:1-6

In the fifteenth year of the reign of Emperor Tiberius, when Pontius Pilate was governor of Judea, and Herod was ruler of Galilee, and his brother Philip ruler of the region of Ituraea and Trachonitis, and Lysanias ruler of Abilene,  during the high priesthood of Annas and Caiaphas, the word of God came to John son of Zechariah in the wilderness.

He went into all the region around the Jordan, proclaiming a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins,  as it is written in the book of the words of the prophet Isaiah, "The voice of one crying out in the wilderness: 'Prepare the way of the Lord, make his paths straight.

Every valley shall be filled, and every mountain and hill shall be made low, and the crooked shall be made straight, and the rough ways made smooth; and all flesh shall see the salvation of God.'"

Reflection: 

If you are walking in total darkness, you may respond in several ways to the feeling when you know someone is present. 

If they have a bright light, they may initially be welcome, unless the light reveals that they are positively horrifying.  In this case you may run from the light and try to find the shelter of darkness to hide you from the newcomer. 

On the other hand, if their voice is gentle but certain, you are comforted and reassured.  You may find yourself leaning towards them even if they have no physical light to offer.   Their words alone feel like an illumination that will guide you through darkness. 

Scripture tells that John was a beacon of truth and light for the people who were wandering spiritually.  He called them to repentance, guiding them to straight and smooth paths that could prepare their hearts for the approach of the Lord God.  Do you think everybody welcomed his words?  Repentance is not always a message that is comfortable.  Sometimes when we are called to repentance we must look toward the darker aspects of our life and get honest about how our choices have actually contributed to our burdens. 

 What does God seem to be asking you to examine this week?   How does repentance factor into your prayer?  What aspects of your roadway need to be smoothed or repaired? Are John’s words welcoming or conflicting? 

Prayer:  Stir up our hearts, Lord God, to prepare the way of your only Son.  Illuminate our minds and hearts.  Increase our understanding of our need to change according to your will.  Through Jesus Christ, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever.  Amen.