REMEMBERING

During this Advent and Christmas seasons, we are called to prepare the way of the Lord by remembering the great things that God has done for us. God remembers us because He is always faithful. The Lord has done great things for us, we are filled with joy. We are called to count our blessings every day  And be grateful to God, the source of all good things. Remembering brings peace and peace brings inner harmony. God remembers His people, Israel. He draws them to Himself and leads Israel in joy despite all the evidence to the contrary because God is always in charge and in control. Suffering, evil, sin do not have the last word. Despite the aggression of evil around us, God continues to complete the good work He began in us until the day of Christ Jesus. That is why, Advent and Christmas seasons are occasions to listen to God’s Word to prepare the Lord’s visit. These are seasons to learn to rely on God alone and to let go of false security and hope because God alone is the supreme good, absolute treasure and essential in life. Jesus said, “Heaven and earth will pass away but My Words will not pass away!” (Matthew 24:35) John the Baptist is tasked to prepare the way of the Lord. He proclaims a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins. Baptism is to cleanse us from our sins and to let go of the old self and embrace new life. It is rebirth, regeneration and initiation to the faith community. Repentance is radical change of mind and heart. It is a call to remember who we are, where we have come from, what it is we have received and what it is we are called to. It is accepting of the certainty of God’s promise. Forgiveness is liberation from the chains of evil and sin. It is total reconciliation with God and others. John uses the words of the prophet Isaiah crying out in the desert: prepare the way of the Lord, make straight His paths. Every valley, mountains, and hill should be made low. These images urge us to remove all obstacles that stand in the way of the Lord’s visit. It is to live fearless lives and live today and every day in God’s service and love. It is to remember that God never abandons us for He is our Father and we are His children.