Gospel: Luke 3:1-6
In the fifteenth year of the reign of Emperor Tiberius, when Pontius Pilate was governor of Judea, and Herod was ruler of Galilee, and his brother Philip ruler of the region of Ituraea and Trachonitis, and Lysanias ruler of Abilene, during the high priesthood of Annas and Caiaphas, the word of God came to John son of Zechariah in the wilderness. He went into all the region around the Jordan, proclaiming a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins, as it is written in the book of the words of the prophet Isaiah, “The voice of one crying out 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 made low, and the crooked shall be made straight, and the rough ways made smooth; and all flesh shall see the salvation of God.'”
Reflection:
Our Gospel for todays is from Luke 3:1-6 which tells us to make way and prepare for His coming to us.
What the Gospel is All About?
Today is the second Sunday of Advent. The gospel from Luke 3:1-6 is about John the Baptist proclaiming the coming of Jesus. Yes, the St. John the Baptist that we all know about, the son of Zechariah who proclaims the coming of Jesus. He tells the people to make way and prepare for the coming of Jesus and repent. He offers the people a “baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins”.
“Prepare the way of the Lord, make his paths straight.”
So, what does this mean to prepare the way of the Lord? What should we prepare then? How do we prepare it?
John the Baptist baptized the people in preparation for the coming of the savior. Baptizing the people with water does not only mean to baptize them in water but it means to get rid of the sins. Create oneself anew and prepare the heart and soul for the coming of Jesus.
To link our gospel to our present situation…
We are again in the month where we celebrate the birth of Jesus yet, it is very different this year. The gospel in Luke 3:1-6 is telling us to re-create ourselves by cleansing our souls. Preparing our hearts as well is the very essence to let Jesus stay in our hearts through charity.
This December, we may not have enough resources to share with our fellowmen. If we have spare blessings, we can share it in any way we can. The pandemic is very tough for all but indeed our trust in the Lord is what made us strong.
Our realization…
Extravagance is not important this year. What we need is a heart pure and our willingness to help others. The virtues of charity and almsgiving are what we need in times like this. Let us still keep our faith and enjoy the joyous celebration bound to come in glory.
Song of the Day:
Carol of the Bells
– Clea | Helpline PH
