Prepare the Way of the Lord

12-06-2020Weekly ReflectionFr. Arul Doss

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Jesus Christ,

A voice of one crying out in the desert: “Prepare the way of the Lord, make straight his paths”. (Mk 1:3).

On this second week of Advent, the liturgy of Word of God calls us to reflect on the reason of Christ’s coming, and on what we are expected to do this season. Today, our readings focus on the nearness of the Lord’s coming and the need for repentance for the forgiveness of sins. So, one very important question today is, why is Christ coming? He is coming because he loves us. He is coming to save us. He is coming to make all things new. He has a mission, and that mission is for us, and for our salvation.

In our first reading, Isaiah implores us to: “prepare a way for the Lord… Here the Lord, coming with power…” Today he sounds very optimistic. Last week, he made a petition, asking God to “tear down the heaven and come down.” His prayer of hope is already bearing fruits soon. So, God says this week, “console my people, console them…”

Like Isaiah, we too must progress in our journey this Advent. Isaiah’s prophecy today is a great hope booster. That is, that our salvation is close at hand. So, let us continue to wait for the Lord’s coming. However, it is not yet over. The fulfillment of this hope still lies ahead. So, rather than relax, we must heed his call, “prepare a way for the Lord…”

In the second reading, Peter assures us that Christ will certainly come. Once again, like the Prophet Isaiah, he gives a boost to our hope. He encourages us not to lose hope in the prophetic promises of the coming of the Messiah. time!”

In today’s gospel, like Isaiah, John the Baptist brings us the good news about the Lord’s imminent coming. He makes two explicit calls to us. The first is, a call to repent for the forgiveness of our sins. Advent is the time to reconcile with God whom we have severally offended through our words and actions.

Repentance and reconciliation are very important conditions for us to welcome Christ worthily. This is what the prophets Isaiah, John the Baptist and the Apostle Peter mean by, “preparing a way for the Lord” and “living holy and saintly lives.” If we repent sincerely this season, then the salvation that Jesus brings will be ours. If we clean up ourselves properly, we need not be afraid of the Day of the Lord.

Finally, anticipation of the Lord’s coming should not merely determine our manner of lives. Rather, it should motivate us to repentance, holiness of life, and of course, joyfulness. Therefore, as we continue to wait and prepare, let us humbly pray with the psalmist: “O Lord, let us see your mercy, and give us your saving help.”

On 8th December, we are going to celebrate the solemnity of Immaculate Conception of our Mother Mary. It is one of the four dogmas about our Mother Mary. My special prayers to you all on this day. May our mother of our Immaculate conception Bless you through her powerful intercession.

I am available for confession before all weekend masses. If these times do not work for you please give me a call.

Have a Happy and Blessed Sunday!!

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