December 2, 2011
Commentary
Advent reflection: Preparing the way
By ZOE CANNON (Sacred Heart Church, Vincennes)
The gas light came on in my car and seconds later, the “low washer fluid” light flashed, then I noticed I was 3,000 miles over due for my oil change. In short, the car was exhausted, empty, and in much need of my attention before it could operate
properly. Have you ever felt spiritual drain and emptiness? Now, in no way, do I want to compare our souls to a car, but you see where this is going. Nothing in our lives works as well as it should, if we do not nurture it with all our love and attention. We must be fueled with the Spirit of God and this requires the efforts of our mind, body and soul, each and every day.
The Advent Season is the perfect time to “prepare the way” for the Lord; reenergizing, nourishing and sharing all that God has gifted to us as we get ready for the birth of the Savior of the world. Even with the price of gasoline, putting fuel into the car tank is much easier than keeping our souls filled with the Spirit of God, because we are human beings, not machines, and we sin.
This first in a series for Advent is all about preparation for the ‘Coming of the Lord.’ This is a challenging task, which calls for great discipline. As Catholics, the grace and gift of the Sacraments makes this much easier for us. What does it mean to ‘prepare the way’? It means to create a favorable environment or make it easy for one to come to you and operate in your life. In Luke 3:4-5, “As it is written in the book of the words of Isaiah the prophet, saying, the voice of one crying in the wilderness, prepare the way of the Lord, make his paths straight. Every valley shall be filled, and every mountain and hill shall be brought low; and the crooked shall be brought straight, and the rough ways will be made smooth.” Apparently, John the Baptist was creating a favorable environment and making it easy for Jesus to enter into and operate in the lives of the people. Isaiah 40:3 “Clear the way for the Lord in the wilderness; make smooth in the desert a highway for our God.”
Just like a warning light in a car, John the Baptist came to herald news of the need for repentance, and the risk to our souls if we ignore the signs. So much of what we believe as Catholic’s is done as an act of faith. The opportunity for reparation, reconciliation and re-demption is no mystery at all. It is a practical and very spiritual means of filling ourselves with the grace of a loving God, through the Sacrament of Rec-onciliation. One person can forgive, but it takes two people to reconcile, therefore, the priest who absolves our sins in the name of Jesus helps us accomplish this gift to ourselves; repairing relationships, most important, our relationship with God.
The next two articles will include amazing true stories of forgiveness and the effects this gift of love can have in people’s lives. Their stories will inspire you to make the first step toward healing any relationships in your life that may need some attention. The grace and love of God will always supply the necessary healing, repairing the soul for proper operation, but we must first embrace the gift. Please share the joy by preparing the way of the Lord this Advent Season.
By the way, my car, with over 190,000 miles, is named Lazarus, because it has risen for the dead more times than I can count. All things are possible with God. Amen!