Fire of Charity: Reflection for 20th Sunday of Ordinary Time
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Many have had new Thanksgiving memories to share at the time of this reading. While preparing for this holiday, we have anticipated being around loved ones, friends, and even family members who long awaited our presence.
One aspect of Advent is the preparation for the Lord’s return. It is a time of vigilance, anticipating the arrival of and being ready to welcome the Lord.
Last week, Jesus talks about us being ready through the Evangelist, St. Luke, This week we go to an earlier account in his gospel. We are told about someone who is calling on everyone to prepare for his coming. We are introduced to the ministry of Jesus’ cousin, John the Baptist.
Quoting the prophet, Isaiah, John was, “A voice of one crying out in the desert: ‘Prepare the way of the Lord, make straight his paths.’” The cousin of Jesus preaches about repentance that must be in accord with God’s law. He continues, “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.”
The best way to prepare for his coming is to make use of God’s mercy in the Sacrament of Penance. Thankfully, we do get opportunities to do it during the First Friday or Saturday of the month. Then again, we can develop a spiritual habit of going twice a month. His ministry echoes well through the present. He is calling us to break free of sin by seeking his mercy. The only thing that is holding us back is ourselves. He wants us to let go of our pride.
Pope Benedict XVI would agree about looking at our inner selves. He reflects that Advent can “be understood best if we look closely at the inner content and meaning of our Advent practices.” He, too, believes that we must look at how we prepare for Jesus during these four weeks of preparation as we journey to Bethlehem from the inside.
Now is the time to consider going to confession. Evaluate how we are preparing for Christ’s coming with our Advent practices.
Together, we can make straight his paths to our hearts.
As “Joy to the World” reminds us, let every heart prepare him room
Catholic Millennial. I hail from Philadelphia, PA. 4th-degree member of the Knights of Columbus. I enjoy writing, traveling, ballroom dancing, meeting new people, having deep conversations over a cold beer or wine (sometimes champagne), and petting adorable dogs that come right past me.
I hope to convey more messages from our culture with a twist of faith.
Some of my writings will range from pro-life (yes, men can have a say in the abortion issue, Karen), pop culture, history, and just some spontaneous reflections without warning
