Tuesday of the Second Week of Advent

Today's Mass Readings

In today's first reading from the Book of the Prophet Isaiah, we find the text the provides us the necessary background for understanding John the Baptist's role in the New Testament. John the Baptist is the voice crying out in the wilderness, preparing the way of the Lord. But today's readings are not about John the Baptist, so why is this text here on the second Tuesday of Advent? This Isaiah passage is particularly appropriate for Advent, because the events that they foretell are very significant ones. Isaiah was proclaiming the end of the Exile which would bring freedom and new life the the people of Israel. God promises His comfort, His tenderness, and His guidance to the people. An event of greater significance was procliamed by John the Baptist. The Shepherd Himself was about to come to the people instead of just providing comfort, tenderness and guidance. The demand for the preparation for this event is far greater than anyone could ever imagine. Thus John the Baptist prepares his generation for the coming of the Messiah with an urgent call.

Today we heed both Isaiah and Baptist's call. The entire season of Advent is about preparing the way of the Lord. The entire Church is called to prepare for Christmas. The entire Church waits with joyful expectation.

But the call is also for us personally. We too are called to prepare the way of the Lord in our own lives, in our own families and homes. These weeks of Advent are a time for us to really prepare ourselves for the coming of the Lord, both liturgically at Christmas, and in our own lives.

I want to suggest that we take some time today, and every day this Advent season, to prepare ourselves for the Christmas celebration of Jesus' entrance into the world. If we already have a plan of set things we hope to do to prepare ourselves, let's do our best to stick to that plan. If we don't yet have one, then let's think of some ways we can prepare ourselvs, our homes, and our families, for the coming of the Lord.

Jeff Morrow & Fr. Satish Joseph