Feast of the Immaculate Conception of Mary
(transferred to Monday, December 9)
Baruch 5:1-9, Psalm 126, Philippians 1:4-6,8-11, Luke 3:1-6
The black asphalt pavement slopes down to the west in one of our school’s outdoor play yards, and on the other side of the drainage, it begins to slope up again, at a less steep angle. To try to run and catch a ball on this surface is a feat that only young feet can manage. For us practical adults, “flat” is preferable. To stand on a flat, stable surface while our earth is spinning through space is something we take for granted. And we are grateful, when we stop to think about it.
The inspired scripture writers use metaphors of geography that guide us in our Advent journey. Since travelers progress more safely when the road is free of both deep pitfalls and large obstacles, we hear how God himself will remove both. “Every lofty mountain [will] be made low; and…the …depths and gorges be filled to level ground.” Whew! If we aren’t convinced by the Old Testament, here is the New: “God has commanded that every valley shall be filled and every mountain and hill shall be made low.” If God commands, it is His will to smooth things out on earth.
What does this mean for us? How do we respond? Here are a couple of ideas. Baruch speaks of God bringing our children back to us, on a leveled road, after they were led away by enemies. How this resonates with our longing to bring back to the Sacraments, especially to the Eucharist, our children, loved ones, and friends, who seem to have left the leveled road for a time of wandering. His Word is true, so I must keep my spiritual shovel and backhoe at work, to help them find a level path when they return. That likely means for me prayer and sacrifice.
On the other hand, traveling in the other direction, from Our Divine Savior to His children, also requires that I shoulder my burden and get the road ready. HE is coming to ME. Have I cleared the front walk of my spiritual house, my soul, for Him to easily enter? Or do I leave the litter of my comforts strewn around, distracting me as well as my neighbors? Why don’t I make two lists, one of the piles I should discard from my yard, and the other of things that I could acquire, that will beautify my area and make it safe.
Before this Advent began, how much was I “landscaping” the garden of my soul to prepare for a closer walk with my most-pure Savior? The Sacrament of Reconciliation provides the “tools” that I need. Sometimes I have to dig deep, with the Holy Spirit’s light. He helps me to excavate the burden of my failings so that the mighty but gentle Good Shepherd can lift and remove them from me. Then Our Lady, if I ask her, will assist me to fill my soul’s empty areas with the flowering virtues I need to welcome the Divine Infant who left heaven to come find me.
May all of us advance along the road to God, and allow Him to come to us, on a path free of all that might keep Him away. Our desire to love Him has come from Him. May His will be done in you and your family as you prepare for His coming to you this year.
and then