Matthew 3:3
Prepare the way of the Lord, make straight his paths.
Readings for Sunday: Baruch, Philippians, Luke
Reflection:
John the Baptist was the last prophet of the Old Testament period and crossed over into the New Testament period as a witness to Jesus. As a prophet, he called out political leaders, but it wasn’t for a new governmental policy or program. Rather, he called one and all to repentance. Whether it was King Herod or the guy down the street, John gained his name by baptizing for the forgiveness of sins.
This world will end one day; moreover, when we die, the end has come for us. Besides, while we have a responsibility to act in the civic-political world, we cannot have a just society if we do not have just people.
What about each one of us? How just and righteous are we? Are we not sinners? What are we willing to do to be closer to Jesus and to become more like Him?
John the Baptist fulfilled the words of the prophet Isaiah: “Prepare the way of the Lord, make straight his paths. Every valley shall be filled and every mountain and hill shall be made low. The winding roads shall be made straight, and the rough ways made smooth, and all flesh shall see the salvation of God.”
God gives us the grace we need—His power—to be transformed in Christ. Yet, we need to cooperate with grace. We can impede God’s action in our life by throwing up roadblocks, or we can remove them, preparing the way of the Lord so that His grace may change us.
Reflection Questions
- What is impeding the action of the Holy Spirit in my life? Of what sins do I need to repent?
- What do I choose to do with my time? Am I fostering my relationship with Jesus, or only tending to it enough to say that I know who He is?
- What are the twisted, winding roads of my life that need to change so that I may live more fully as a disciple of Christ?