We are now in the 4th Sunday of Advent. We are spending these few days of Advent, together with Joseph and Mary, as we wait, watch, ponder and receive all the gift which is significant in our spiritual growth and maturity. St. Paul in today’s epistle from I Cor 4:1-5 states that “Let a man so account of us as of the ministers of Christ and the dispensers of the mysteries of God. Here now it is required among the dispensers that a man be found faithful.” (Sic nos existemit homo ut ministros Christi, et dispensatores mysteriorum Dei. Hic jam quaeritur inter dispensatores, ut fidelis quis inveniatur.)
Being chosen as dispensers of the Goodnews, first and foremost, we must be faithful. We see how the world is preparing for Christmas, busy decorating, buying gifts, and all the noise and commercialization. Causes us to be too much preoccupied, consequently, many people are not receptive to heed the call “to prepare for the coming of the Lord.”
Many people are not listening to the gospel and unfortunately are forgetful of the Word. However, we need to be “faithful” and we need to hear what God wants us to hear, preparing consciously for the Birth of Jesus. God will certainly come; therefore, we need to repent. This is what John the Baptist proclaimed, “Prepare the way of the Lord, make his paths straight. Every valley shall be filled, and every mountain and hill shall be made low, and the crooked shall be made straight, and the rough ways made smooth; and all flesh shall see the salvation of God.” John the Baptist baptized the people in preparation for the coming of the Savior. He was baptizing the people with water in order to get rid of the sins. He asked the people to render their heart, recreating oneself anew and preparing their heart and soul for Jesus.
What does this mean to prepare the way of the Lord? What should we prepare then? How do we prepare it? The gospel in Luke 3:1-6 is telling us to re-create ourselves by cleansing our souls. This is the very essence of letting Jesus stay in our hearts through charity. We may not have enough resources to share, but if we have spare blessings, we can share it in any way we can. Indeed, trust in the Lord is what makes us strong. Let be aware of these pointers we need to reflect on:
First, extravagance is not necessary, for what we need is a pure heart and our willingness to help others. Practicing charity and almsgiving are the things we can do in times like this. We must learn from John the Baptist seeking only the presence of God and not seeking the praise from others.
Second, John was in a desert, a voice in the wilderness, and yet people came to hear his preaching. He could have chosen a better place to prepare himself for his ministry, but he prepared in a desolate place that was free from noise and distractions. We, however, should come to a place, like the church, so that we can focus all our attention on God alone. We can just shut the door of our room and pray (Matthew 6:6), switch off the television and put away our mobile phone in a drawer so we can concentrate on listening to the voice of God. The point is we need complete silence because common sense dictates that it is in quietness that we hear God’s voice.
Third, John was serious to fulfill his mission to give the baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins. Repentance is necessary for conversion and salvation. The first thing is to accept that we are sinners, with humility, repentance is possible. Change our ways.
Fourth, when we are expecting a special visitor, we clean the whole house, fix everything so that we can make the best impression in order to welcome our visitor with the best hospitality. Can’t we do that for Jesus, our Lord? We still have time these few days of Advent, to fix our lives, clean our minds and hearts and put on the garment of faith, hope and love to welcome our Savior.
Brothers and sisters please return to God – He is our salvation. He is the one that can change your life – It has to be that way. Sacrificiis praaesentibus, quaesumus, Domine, placates intende: ut devotioni nostrae proficient et saluti. Oh Lord, we beseech Thee, look down favorably upon these present sacrifices so that they may profit us both unto devotion and salvation.
God bless you.
Fr. Arlon, osa
