Prepare the way

The readings today http://usccb.org/bible/readings/120411.cfm clearly speak about preparing the way. As we prepare for Christ's second coming, right now we are also preparing to commemorate His first coming. As Christmas draws near, we should also focus on our inner selves and prepare our hearts to welcome him, and not just focus on exernal decorations.

However, what particularly struck me was the gospel. John the Baptist, while preparing himself, also worked to prepare other people for Christ. He did not only want to prepare himself, but also wanted to help others in preparing themselves as well. As he did this, people realized the importance and followed Him. However, he did not lose his focus. He knew that he was not the messiah, and he knew what his role was. That may have been tempting, seeing people follow and respect you for what you do. It may have entered his heart to just say that he is the messiah... but he did not. He was humble all the way. He humbly served the Lord, and prepared the way of the Lord. Thus, by being humble, Jesus said that He was one of the greatest man who ever lived (Mt 11:11).

As the priest mentioned in the mass, God loves us! He will do everything he can to save us. He sends people to help us prepare. He sends messages to help us prepare and realize these things. He has great plans for us (Jer 29:11). We just need to cooperate with his plans and not make things harder as they should.

God bless!