Readings: Isaiah 11:1-10, Romans 15:4-9, Matthew 3:1-2
In today’s Gospel, we are told that it was John the Baptist whom the prophet Isaiah referred to when he said: "A voice cries in the wilderness: Prepare a way for the Lord, make his paths straight." Advent is a time for reflecting on our lives in order to prepare for the coming of Jesus in the miracle of Christmas. It is a time for turning the direction of our whole life towards God.
This is no easy task. So often the paths of our lives are anything but straight. As we know, life can take many twists and turns, and we can feel pulled and drawn in so many different directions. Indeed, life today can seem so hectic and fast moving that even finding the time to reflect can seem like a tall order, never mind finding the energy to make big changes. When faced with the challenging call of the Gospel it is tempting to retreat into our comfort zone and just say "leave me alone". The challenge of Christ is to go beyond this comfort zone to find the deeper reality of who we are as children of God. Whatever crooked paths we have walked or are walking, there is always a new beginning with the Lord. We can always begin again.
As Christians we know that we do not do this alone. This is not some kind of self help course for success. We rely at each step on the boundless mercy and grace of God.
In today’s Gospel, we are told that it was John the Baptist whom the prophet Isaiah referred to when he said: "A voice cries in the wilderness: Prepare a way for the Lord, make his paths straight." Advent is a time for reflecting on our lives in order to prepare for the coming of Jesus in the miracle of Christmas. It is a time for turning the direction of our whole life towards God.This is no easy task. So often the paths of our lives are anything but straight. As we know, life can take many twists and turns, and we can feel pulled and drawn in so many different directions. Indeed, life today can seem so hectic and fast moving that even finding the time to reflect can seem like a tall order, never mind finding the energy to make big changes. When faced with the challenging call of the Gospel it is tempting to retreat into our comfort zone and just say "leave me alone". The challenge of Christ is to go beyond this comfort zone to find the deeper reality of who we are as children of God. Whatever crooked paths we have walked or are walking, there is always a new beginning with the Lord. We can always begin again.
As Christians we know that we do not do this alone. This is not some kind of self help course for success. We rely at each step on the boundless mercy and grace of God.
David: Nice reflection. I appreciated the examples you utilized and especially your own admission that the task of finding time for reflection is difficult. In our preaching this is probobly the most important thing that people hunger to hear from preachers, their experience, their struggle. It's about being authentic and also accessible to the people. Awesome!!! Keep it up.
ReplyDeleteDOM
And some of us are forever starting.
ReplyDeleteI "dipped my toe" in thirty years ago and retreated from fright. I am testing the water again, mainly due to the inspiration of your website. But once again, I find that I don't have the courage to follow the Lord. I am too scared, too lazy, too timid, too fettered. But still the hunger goes on, and still I feel the need.