Prepare the Way of the Lord

12-04-2022Weekly ReflectionFr. Anthony Okolo, C.S.Sp, V.F.

Isaiah in the first read speaks of a shoot that shall sprout from the stock of Jesse and the Spirit of the Lord shall rest upon him. He goes on to enunciate the various kinds of Spirit that would be bestowed upon this stock of Jesse like, the spirit of wisdom, understanding, counsel strength, knowledge, and fear of the Lord.

These gifts are meant to give him the supernatural power to transform situations and change things. The climax of these gifts would be the type of world that would be in place with the coming of this anointed messiah. It is a world where the “cow and the bear would be neighbors; the baby shall play by the cobra’s den and the child lay his hands on the adder’s lair and nothing would happen because the earth shall be filled with the knowledge of the Lord.” What Isaiah sees here is the transformation that Jesus’ birth would bring to the world as it would turn things around. This prophecy of Isaiah can only be accomplished when we open our hearts to welcome this messiah and the message of hope, love and mercy He brings.

Paul in the second reading prays that through the reading of the scriptures we might be gifted with encouragement and endurance to continue to live in hope. He encourages using the scriptures, the inspired word of God, as a guide for a good Christian living. He calls us to be people of hope who care for the good of each other. Let us use this season of advent to deepen our relationship with God and one another.

The Gospel calls our attention to prepare the way for the Lord by reforming our ways. This can be achieved by living a true life of repentance of heart and then seeking the way of the Lord in all sincerity. Repentance without a change of attitude would not lead to a true worship of God. John the Baptist was firm in warning people of all classes and in different positions of life to live a life of repentance of heart. Let us not delay our conversion for this is an opportune time. As we continue our journey in this sacred season of Advent let us seek the face of God by an inward search for a true way to follow the Lord, through true repentance and in sincerity of heart.

Father Tony Okolo C.S.Sp., V.F.