2nd Advent - Fr. Leo
As we look around the world through the news we hear constant bad news of innocent people being killed, of wars escalating and peace becoming more fragile. This is the reality that surrounds us even on a local level with crime and political fighting.
As tiring as this scenario is, it is not new. Human discord has been around almost since the beginning of time. Our readings today, make mention of plight of the chosen and the suffering they endured.
It also celebrates their being lifted out of troubles into the splendor of God. So, the Psalm celebrates this with the refrain: “The Lord has done great things for us; we are filled with joy!” For us, faith is our way of living now with the hope that justice, peace and love will come. We each contribute to that as we work to become more faithful to the Spirit of God received through Christ the and the sacraments of the church.
It is with our Advent retreat to God this season that St. John’s words in today’s gospel from Luke make the perfect prayer. So with longing each day of this week let us pray:
“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.” (Luke)