Introduction to the Liturgy of the Day

Quite likely you have a long checklist of things that you need to do before Christmas, which is now only three weeks away. But is “repentance for the forgiveness of sins” on that list? It ought to be, for this is exactly what John the Baptist called for in preparation for the Lord’s coming. Gathered here today to receive Jesus in the Eucharist, let us repent of the wrongs we have done or failed to do and seek forgive- ness for our sins so as to properly prepare a place for our Lord to be born into our lives.
 

Introduction to the Liturgy of the Word

We hear from both Baruch and Isaiah today, the latter through Luke’s description of John the Baptist’s work, challenging and comforting the people of Israel. Baruch calls the people back to Jerusalem, where they will be “wrapped in the cloak of justice.” Isaiah promises that when the Lord comes, “all flesh shall see the salvation of God.” Let us prepare for the Lord’s coming, assured that justice and salvation are nigh.
 

Reflections

• Scripture scholars tell us that the Gospel of Luke was written fifty years or so after Jesus’ death and resurrection. So Luke was not there with parchment and ink when John the Baptist traveled throughout the Jordan calling for a baptism of repentance. But he knew what a pivotal moment that was. So he begins his account by mentioning people like Lysanias and places like Trachonitis, names found nowhere else in the Bible. Why? He is setting the scene in exhaustive detail because of the dramatic difference between “before” and “after.” Just as our country memorializes 1776 or parents recall the year in which they had their first child, there is a life-changing difference between what came before and what came after. Just so for this proclamation of John’s. The transformation Baruch prophesied about Jerusalem was now taking place. Luke paints a picture of exactly how the world had been before everything changed.

• That having been said, each reading ultimately directs our focus onto the future. Baruch looks forward to the time when Jerusalem is restored in glory. In Luke, John the Baptist calls everyone to prepare for Jesus’ coming, when salvation will come to all people. Paul looks ahead to “the day of Christ Jesus,” the time of the Second Coming (Philippians 1:6). As Christians, we are called to anticipate the completion of the good work that has begun in us.

• How are valleys filled in, mountains made low, paths made straight, and rough ways smoothed? Repentance. It is sin that throws up obstacles on our paths to salvation. Like a falling out between friends prevents that friendship from growing, our past sins prevent our love of God and love of neighbor from developing. Repentance allows us to put aside the past and focus on the future.
 

Question of the Week

For what do I need to repent?  Whom do I need to forgive?

-from Pastoral Patterns