Thursday of the Second Week of Advent
Last week during Children’s Liturgy of the Word, I asked the children, “What does Advent mean?” Several of them said it meant that we should prepare for Jesus’ coming. Today’s readings speak of the coming of the Lord- both Jesus’ coming to this earth and the final coming of the Lord at the last judgment. During this time of Advent, how are we preparing for the Lord in our lives?
In the gospel reading, Jesus refers to John the Baptist as Elijah. The Jewish people listening to Jesus would have recognized that if John is the return of Elijah, then he is the forerunner to the long awaited messiah. Jesus goes on to explain that all of the prophets up until John’s arrival point to John as the one who is “preparing the way.” Jesus tells those around him to “listen” and believe-“Whoever has ears ought to hear.” (Mt 11:15)
The first reading from Isaiah describes the time when the LORD will return and renew the earth. The people who thirst for the LORD will not be “forsaken”, but God will bring new life where things had been a “wasteland.” People will “see and know, observe and understand that the hand of the LORD has done this.” (Is 41:20) These are the promises of redemption from the Holy One of Israel.
Both readings remind us that God is coming both in the person of Jesus and at the final coming (the last judgment.) In some ways Advent is a difficult concept for us today, since we know that Jesus already came over 2000 years ago, and the second coming of Christ seems far in the distant future. What does it mean for us to “prepare the way” during this Advent season? The hustle and bustle of these weeks before Christmas only adds to the challenges of our preparation.
When I think about preparing for someone to come and visit, I am reminded of the things that I do to be a good hostess. There is the cleaning of the house, the preparation of the meals, and being sure that my home is welcoming for my guest. Maybe those same concepts can be applied to our Advent practices. We can spend time “cleaning our hearts” recognizing the ways that we have turned away from God and our need to repent. (Including the Sacrament of Reconciliation could be an excellent way to get things ready.) Preparing meals reminds me of the ways that I can nourish my faith. Focusing on prayer, scripture reading, and the sacraments could provide the sustenance I/we need to grow in our relationship with Christ. An open and welcoming demeanor provides the opportunity for company to feel at home. Opening our mind and heart to the presence of Christ in our lives allows us to recognize that God is always with us and desires to be a constant companion to share life.
In thanksgiving for God’s promises, take some time today to consider how you can prepare the way for the LORD during this Advent season, and with God’s grace- make it happen!
—Marylynn Herchline