Advent is an invitation to conversion and John the Baptist gives us some down to earth advice on how to change our lives for the better. He talks, Mark 1:1-8, about filling in valleys of prejudice, levelling down mountains of pride and straightening out the crooked paths of injustice. We ask ourselves what in our lives needs a complete turning around to allow God to come close to us. There are areas and dark corners of ourselves which we do not want disturbed. This advent time of prayer and penance brings home to us the need to make a fresh start. Welcoming God involves removing all blockages and obstacles which prevent Him from coming close. Preparing a way for the Lord may mean walking a new path. Christ cannot save us without our cooperation. He does not force an entry into our lives but waits to be invited.
The voice of John the Baptist reminds us that we have the important task of announcing Christ to others. Our everyday life is a message telling everyone through acts of kindness, honesty and faithfulness that Christ is right here with us. His gospel of love is the answer to the problems of our troubled world. John the Baptist invites us to turn this advent season into a real spiritual homecoming by making the necessary preparations for the arrival of the Saviour into our lives.
Fr. Arsenio