Reflection for December 8
Cathy Doocy, Gone for a Walk
In today’s gospel we hear about John the Baptist, son of Zechariah and Elizabeth, cousin of Jesus and Mary. John hears God’s Word while praying in the desert. He listens to what God is asking of him, and he begins his tireless ministry of proclaiming a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins. As prophesied in the Scriptures, John was to prepare the way of the Lord, making straight his paths, making mountains and hills low, and smoothing the rough ways. John embraced his ministry to go out and bring the Good News to the people of Israel who had suffered and endured so many challenges and obstacles in their lives…so many mountains and valleys, so many rough roads, so many winding paths. Their salvation would finally be fulfilled by the Messiah, Jesus Christ.
And what about us today? Is this not our ministry as well? As we draw closer to Christmas, do we pray that Jesus may be reborn in our hearts? Do we pray that the distractions and challenges of our busy lives not get in the way of this miraculous season? Do we pray for the courage and boldness to invite our family members and friends who have wandered away from their faith to join us for Mass, for an Advent reflection, for adoration and confession, for a healing service?
The second reading from Philippians reminds us “that the one who began a good work in you will continue to complete it until the day of Christ Jesus” (1:6). God is still at work in all of us today and He is far from finished. He invites us daily to draw closer to Him. There is no better time to prepare our hearts for Christmas than by listening to His constant invitation and by inviting others to join us as well. We, too, can be a voice in the wilderness of our world today.
Lord Jesus, help us to draw closer to you each day this Advent season. Help us to make our paths straight, our mountains low, our rough roads smooth. Help us to prayerfully prepare to celebrate your coming at Christmas and to share the gift of this season with the world.
Ellen Dubinsky