SOCL, Advent2C
- Admin
- Dec 5, 2024
- 2 min read
Updated: Dec 7, 2024
Sunday December 08, 2024
The voice of one crying out in the wilderness: ‘Prepare the way of the Lord, make his paths straight'
See
In today's readings, we hear about preparation and transformation - mountains made low, valleys filled, winding roads made straight. This isn't just about physical landscapes, but about the geography of our hearts. John the Baptist's call to "prepare the way of the Lord" reminds us that Advent is a time of active waiting. Just as a path needs to be cleared and straightened, our lives might need smoothing out, our priorities realigned. What seems like an insurmountable mountain of difficulty, or a deep valley of doubt, can be transformed when we prepare our hearts to receive God's peace.
Listen
Reflect
(Luke 3:1-6)
-Like John proclaiming in the desert, sometimes God's voice comes to us in unexpected places and times. Reflect on moments when you've heard God's call in surprising circumstances. How did you respond? What "desert experiences" in your life have led to spiritual growth?
-The reading from Baruch speaks of taking off the "robe of mourning and misery" and putting on "the splendor of glory from God." Consider what "robes" you might need to remove this Advent - perhaps worry, resentment, or fear. What would it mean to wrap yourself instead in God's peace and justice?
-Paul prays that the Philippians' love may "increase ever more and more in knowledge and perception." Think about your own journey of faith. How has your understanding of God's love grown over time? What paths in your life need straightening to deepen that love further?
-The Gospel mentions specific historical figures and places, reminding us that God works within human history and real situations. How do you see God working in the concrete circumstances of your life today? What "paths" need preparing in your family, workplace, or community?
Pray
Lord, as You spoke to John in the wilderness, speak to our hearts today, helping us smooth the rough places in our lives, level the mountains of our pride, fill the valleys of our doubts, clothe us in Your peace, guide us with Your wisdom, and increase our love day by day, that, like John, we may point the way to Jesus, making straight the paths that lead to You. Amen.
References
Comments