What follows are some thoughts on this weekend of the Second Sunday of Advent.
Peace,
Deacon Dave
Prepare the way of the Lord! God said that to mankind through the prophet Isaiah. Nearly 800 years later, the prophet John the Baptist was saying the same thing, as we hear in our Gospel this weekend. And today, more than 2000 years later, it appears that we have still not fully prepared the way for the Lord! We sure do have a patient Lord!
In what ways do we see the world as not yet prepared for the coming of Christ? In the political arena, we have seen people behaving during the days before and after the election. I don't think the way was being prepared for Jesus there. We also see racial injustice and unrest here in our country and in other countries around the world, and certainly this is no way to prepare for Christ. Seems like we still have a way to go.
But, maybe the best way for us to prepare the way for Christ to come to us, is not by looking at others who are failing, but instead, to look at those who are indeed, preparing the world to be fitting for our Lord, Jesus Christ. For example, think about our scientists who have been working around the clock to develop a safe and effective vaccine against Covid-19. Think about the healthcare workers who risk their own health and that of their families to provide treatment and compassion to those who have been stricken by Covid-19. These scientists and health care professionals know how to "prepare the way of the Lord."
Think about the people here at St. Andrew who are calling the rectory to take an ornament from our Giving Tree so that they can purchase a gift for someone who might not otherwise receive one this Christmas. Isn't that how we prepare for Christ? Think about all the people who have brought turkeys and food for distribution to families in need. People from St. Andrew, but also the students and staff of JFK High School who contributed so much. And the people from St. Joseph's Hospital who send giant baskets of food to us each year to be sent to families in need.
Because it is when you think of these people who are "preparing the way of the Lord," that you are reminded and inspired to do the same. And then, others see you giving, and they become inspired, and on, and on it spreads. I hope that you continue to have a wonderful Advent Season as together we Prepare the Way of the Lord!!!
God's Peace,
Deacon Dave