Preparing the Way of the Lord

12-10-2023Pastor's LetterVery Rev. Richard C. Wilson, VF, Pastor

Dear Friends in Christ,

We know that the Lord will come, but when? How? Like a thief, says St. Paul: when least expected. Some believe that the Lord is slow to fulfill his promise. Really though, it’s just that he is in no hurry but is patiently waiting for all of us to repent; he wants to find us at peace with Him.

Throughout history, hermits have attracted the crowds. Many were prophets who “proclaimed the meaning of human reality” but who also “interpreted it.” This is what happened with John the Baptist, who was among the people, awakening messianic hopes. John is the voice crying out in the wilderness. The content of his preaching coincides perfectly with Christ's. What is the relationship we find between John and Christ? St. Augustine said it beautifully: “It's the relationship between voice and speech. John is the voice, Christ is the Word; the first is a sound; the second is the speech, the message, the fullness of the truth.”

The dominant voice on the first Sunday of Advent was: “Watch;” that of the second is “Repent.” People wondered after hearing John's preaching: “What should we do?” It's the same question we ask ourselves now, faced with the challenges of a post Christian world that worries us and pushes us to accept its ways. Our world is changing and not towards the good. When values are crumbling, there are still people who ask the question again: “What should we do?”

A conversion should not be a superficial change but a profound renewal. We need a new approach to life, a new way of loving and serving our Lord. St. Peter exhorts us: “Therefore, beloved, while you are waiting for these things, strive to be found by him at peace, without spot or blemish;” (II Peter 3:14)

Each year Advent gives us hope. It is the conviction that God's salvific coming is imminent. We will assemble the nativity set, light up our homes, streets and squares with colored lights, and feast on special meals, but it will only be Christmas if our heart grows and advances in grace and peace with God.

The tempting lure of shopping and gifts has been underway for several weeks now. Consumer society entraps us in its net. But is that the Christian preparation for Christmas? Something has to change in this year’s Advent! Will others notice that we have a renewed faith and devotion in our eyes and actions? Renewal of our culture begins with the family. Families are changed as hearts are converted.

Bring your family to confession this Advent. Go to adoration at St. Claire’s. Meditate on the rosary and place yourself between Mary and the Holy Eucharist. Prepare your heart to receive the Christ child and live for Him.

All the best…in Christ,

Father Wilson