In
today’s Gospel we read about John the Baptist who set aside everything in his
life to go into the desert by the River Jordan to live simply and prepare
people to be ready for the coming of God’s chosen one. John didn’t know how the
story of salvation would play out, but he went into the desert, amid questions,
and preached with conviction for God’s people to prepare the way of the Lord in their hearts through the forgiveness
of sins.
Preparing
a space for Jesus to be born in our lives requires setting aside some of the
stuff (including some junk) that fills our lives to the brim. Letting go,
clearing out and slowing down is not easy and requires concrete goal setting,
community support, and lots of practice. In our Catholic tradition we are asked
to not let the busyness of life rule our lives but are asked to come together
as a community of believers to remember
who were are each week; this is what the Lord’s Day and weekly Mass is all
about, remembering that were not created for only busyness, sports, our jobs,
etc. but we were created to love God and one another. In our Catholic Tradition
we are also blessed to have the Sacrament of Reconciliation as a
concrete/sacramental sign of God’s overwhelming love and forgiveness.
Oftentimes we need to name out loud those things that get in the way between us
and relationship with God and seek God’s grace and the support and advice of a
pastor to assist us in preparing the way of the Lord to get to our hearts and
lives.
Dear
Jesus, I will ready the way for you in my life this week by letting go of...and
by adding in…
Second Week of Advent Prayer (light two purple
candles)
Jesus,
John the Baptist told the people, “If you have two coats, give one to someone
who doesn’t have any. If you have food, share it with someone else.” As we
light this candle, we remember that you bring the light of service into our
lives. May your Word be always in our minds, on our lips, and in our hearts.
Amen.
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