We are all wrapped-up in violet in the Church—and with flowers absent and the music more subtle—we now venture deeper into the Season of Advent—a time of preparation and waiting, a time of hope and anticipation as we await the grace of the Incarnation of the Christ Child and hope for the eventual Second Coming of the Savior of the World.

This weekend’s readings from Sacred Scripture call us to “…prepare the way of the Lord”, making His Kingdom present in the here-and-now. In the Gospel of Matthew (3:1-12) this Sunday we hear of the account of John the Baptist calling us all to “Repent, for the Kingdom of heaven is at hand!” It was of him that the prophet Isaiah spoke when he said: A voice of one crying out in the desert, Prepare the way of the Lord, make straight His paths.”

Very few among us like to be reminded of our sinfulness—and we don’t like it when someone points out our weaknesses and failings. After all, have you ever said thank you to someone when they pointed out how you have been judgmental of another, or when you were prejudice of a person, or when your uncaring heart left someone in pain? No. We all are hardened from time-to-time by the world and so we lose sight of who we truly are and what our purpose here on earth is…we forget that we have been created to be the Light of the World, that we have been sent to be healers in our own world: As the Father sent me, so I send you.

In this weekend’s Gospel, John the Baptist is not being arrogant or super-religious by looking down upon our human nature rather he points to humility and to Christ. John the Baptist fulfilled the prophetic office, preaching repentance and preparedness for the imminent Kingdom of God. He addressed the Pharisees and the Sadducees who presumed upon God’s favor. His words pierced proud hearts, stubborn wills, and darkened minds to prepare them to behold the Lamb of God. He was filled with the Holy Spirit and proclaimed the need for complete trans-formation from within. John strongly calls us to see the Love that is coming into the world by the Incarnation of God into humanity—and by virtue of His Second Coming—a Love that will trans-form us into being healers ourselves, gifted by the Holy Spirit; to inspire us to have compassion and hope for the peace that is truly Christ. A Peace that will make us bearers of peace, a Hope that will call us to live hope out in our own lives and to bring that hope into the lives of others, a Love that creates love among human persons, and a Joy that calls us to be people who live joyfully. In fact, John calls us to make present the Kingdom of God in the hear-and-now by recognizing
that we are partakers and sharers in that Peace, Hope, Love and Joy that is ours by virtue of being made in His likeness and image, sharing in His Divine attributes. John the Baptist had an immense task: to show us the understanding and love of God, and in that love and understanding to recognize His Mercy and Forgiveness as gifts that call us to His Will, not something that punishes us for our weaknesses and failings but rather transforms us into His Presence. To “know” God is to understand His presence, and to have His presence in our lives so as to be transformed by His power. Once that is within us, then “not a hair on our head will be harmed” by the world and all that is in it. Listen to John the Baptist and hear “Be still, and know that I am God.” Make straight His paths, prepare the way of the Lord.

Here is a great Advent prayer for each of us to say each day: Merciful Father, grant me the grace of interior transformation that I may decrease and Your Son Jesus may increase in me. Please make fruitful my sacramental baptism, that I may forever behold the Lamb of God