Readings
I - Bar. 5: 1-9
II - Phil. 1: 4-6, 6-11
III - Lk. 3: 1-6
PREPARE THE WAY OF THE LORD
We behold eminent persons with proper preparation and exciting exclusive gifts. We will have both internal and external preparation proving ourselves to be worthy of receiving such dignitaries. Today’s Gospel passage is an invitation to prepare ourselves for the coming of the Lord, the King of Kings, as prophesied by Prophet Isiah: the Mighty God, Everlasting Father and the Prince of Peace (Is. 9: 6). But, How to prepare; and why to prepare?
How to Prepare?
In the Gospel passage of the day, John the Baptist exhorts us to repent and amend our ways unto the ways of the Lord. A change of heart, conversion and a ‘U’ turn from our reckless living to a purposeful living in and for God.
Why to prepare?
So that, as the second reading says, we may be found pure, blameless and remain righteous to stand before the Lord as he comes in His glory. So that, as the first reading says, we might be given the name, “Righteous Peace, Godly Glory” (Bar. 5: 4) and be led into the Kingdom of God with joy, in the light of His glory, carried in glory as on a royal throne.
Not even the finest dust of the earth could follow us into that Royal Eternal Kingdom but our woks of charity and kindness alone. As St. Paul says in the second reading, let everyone of our word and deed flow from charity so that we may be found ready and worthy at time of His coming. Yield unto the hands of God, unreservedly, so that, the One who began the good work will bring it to completion by the day of Jesus Christ. May our mind and heart resonate with the prayer: “Come Lord Jesus” as we step into the second week of the grace filled Season of Advent.
