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Join us as we reflect, ponder, and pray together inspired by today's Gospel.

Today's Gospel: Luke 3:1-6

Advent has always been a time of joyful preparation in our family. Like many others, we decorate the house, put up the Nativity scene, light the Advent wreath each night, and try to increase our prayer life in preparation for Christ’s birth. John the Baptist also prepared for the coming of Christ, but in a much different way.

In today’s Gospel, he is heard proclaiming the words of the prophet Isaiah:

“Prepare the way of the Lord, make straight his paths. 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, and all flesh shall see the salvation of God.”

This appears to be such a hopeful and upbeat passage! God can really do all that? He can take all of my problems and make them right? He can tackle my most difficult obstacles? Of course He can! But let us remember that it also requires our cooperation. God seldom works by waving a magic wand or snapping His fingers to make it all better in a single instant. John reminds us of that truth. He spent his time living alone in the desert eating locusts and wild honey while trying to convince a stubborn generation to repent and prepare for God’s coming. That doesn’t sound like a bowl of cherries to me.

And so our Advent journey may not be either. While it truly is a time of joyful preparation, it may also be a time of some not-so-pleasant refining of our desires and a consistent redirecting of our thoughts toward God. God truly will make our paths straight, but just remember that sometimes God writes straight with crooked lines. Even so,  don’t worry, He will be right there beside you to guide you along the way.

 

Ponder:

 

Amid your joyful Advent preparations, do you still find time for soul-refining spiritual work?

 

Pray:


Lord Jesus, even though You may write straight with crooked lines, be with me every step of the way.

 

Daily Gospel 2

 

Copyright 2024 Tami Urcia

About the Author

Tami Urcia

Tami Urcia

Tami is a Western Michigander who spent early adulthood as a missionary in Mexico, studying theology and philosophy, then worked and traveled extensively before finishing her bachelor’s degree in Western Kentucky. She loves finding fun ways to keep her five kiddos occupied and quiet conversation with the hubby. Tami works at Diocesan and does Spanish/English translations and guest blogs.