December 5, 2010: 2nd Sunday of Advent

What can you do to “prepare the way of our God” during these days before Christmas?

John the Baptist, preaching in the wilderness of Judea proclaimed: “Repent, for the reign of God is at hand. “ For this is the one who was spoken of by the prophet Isaiah when he said, “The voice of one crying in the wilderness: Prepare the way of our God, make straight God’s paths.” (Matthew 3:1-3)

On the 2nd and 3rd Sundays of Advent the gospel speaks of John the Baptist, Jesus’ cousin. John was sent by God to prepare the way for Jesus.
When John says “the reign of God is at hand”, he is referring to Jesus who was sent into the world to set us back on the right path, the path established at the beginning of creation. Jesus was already an adult by the time John preached but he had not begun his public ministry. We could say that John was preparing a pathway for Jesus. In his public ministry, Jesus did the work of God through preaching, healing, forgiving, etc. Advent invites us to participate in the ministry of Jesus through our prayer and good deeds.

Action:

Last week suggestions were given for doing God’s work during this Advent season. Have you chosen an action?
What can you do to “prepare the way of our God” during these days before Christmas?