Ready the way, the LORD is coming

 Dear Parish Family,

It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas ... beautiful Christmas music and decorations everywhere, long-awaited warm drinks, and sweets. Busy making plans for gatherings with friends and family, and making sure we did not leave anyone out of our gift list. Oh what a busy season ...

In our daily reminders everywhere of the season we have entered, it can be hard not to get lost in all the consumer portions of the season. Which can fill us with the stress of it all, which can lead us to frustration. Fortunately for us, we have the Advent season which helps focus us and reminds us of God’s incredible love for us. It invites us to renew our lives in preparation for the coming of Jesus.

Our readings this Sunday are filled with the Good News. In our first reading, the prophet Isaiah's message to the people of Israel is that the LORD will come and lead them back to the Promised Land since the people have repented of their sins. Our psalm speaks of the attributes that accompany the LORD’s coming: peace, kindness, truth and justice. In our second reading, Saint Peter explains that the Lord Jesus is not delaying His Second Coming, but giving time to as many people as possible to reorient their lives and prepare themselves for His coming. In our Gospel, Mark makes John the Baptist’s role clear; to prepare the way for Jesus and the salvation that he would bring to us. John the Baptist did not get lost in the attention of his followers. He did this not on his own accord but to prepare the people for the coming of our Savior.

This should fill us with hope and comfort! Through our Baptism we are commissioned to prepare the way of the Lord. The gift of the Holy Spirit leads us to continually renew our lives so that we might lead others to Jesus. I invite you this Advent season as you gather with family and friends, talk about ways in which the example of others has called you to be a follower of Jesus. Identify at least one action that you will take this week to try to be a more faithful follower of Jesus. 

Just like John the Baptist, how can you make straight the path for the Lord Jesus to come? Perhaps inviting back to church this Christmas, a friend or family member. Even if it’s just ONE.


Blessings,

Tere Delgado
Faith Formation Minister

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