In this season of preparation, of waiting in joyful hope, our readings invite us to heed the voice of John the Baptist: Prepare the way of the Lord, make straight his paths.
What do our preparations for Christmas usually include? Planning, buying gifts, cleaning, baking? There is much that can demand our attention at this time of year. In contrast to these many pressures and voices, the Church offers these words from John the Baptist, quoting the prophet Isaiah: Every valley shall be filled, and every mountain and hill shall be made low. The winding roads shall be made straight, and the rough ways made smooth.
This echoes the command from our reading from Baruch, that every lofty mountain be made low, and that the age-old depths and gorges be filled to level ground.
What does this mean for us? How can we carry this Word into our lives? Well, it likely means some time spent in prayer and discernment. It means prioritizing listening to God’s voice over some of the other pressures, tasks, and voices that can crowd in this time of year. If we can create some space for silence – for reflection and prayer – we might find God speaking into the questions raised by today’s readings.
What mountains are keeping us from drawing nearer to God? What barriers are affecting our relationship with Christ? What valleys might be impeding our journey into the heart of the Divine? What wounds or fears might be keeping us from drawing close to his Sacred Heart?
This is the invitation of this sacred season: to pray with these questions. But, if that sounds overwhelming, take heart! This is not discernment intended to simply add to our already-too-long list of things to do. Remember, we are preparing and waiting for Emmanuel, God with us – God who draws near and unites himself to us. If you are tired or too busy, perhaps this is the valley or the mountain our Savior wants to cross to come to you. For, as Saint Paul reminds us in our second reading, the one who began a good work in you will continue to complete it until the day of Christ Jesus.
How can we open space for Jesus to draw near to us today? How can we keep hopeful watch for him crossing mountains and valleys to be with us? As we prepare ourselves for the Eucharist, how can we open our hearts to God who is with us at this Mass?
This is the work of this holy season. This is our calling as we prepare for the joy of Christmas. May our God who crosses mountain and valley to draw near to us make us pure and blameless … filled with the fruit of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ for the glory and praise of God.
(Fr. Michał Pająk, OMI, Dec. 8, 2024)
