The Incarnation and the Exultation: An Advent Devotional - Fourth Sunday of Advent Theme for the Week: God’s Gift of Joy!
To the Ends of the Earth: Character – Week 9, Day 3 - We Are Commanded to Make the Way Straight
Photo by Jeremy Bishop on Unsplash
Hear, my son, and accept my words,
that the years of your life may be many.
I have taught you the way of wisdom;
I have led you in the paths of uprightness.
When you walk, your step will not be hampered;
and if you run, you will not stumble.
Keep hold of instruction, do not let go;
guard her, for she is your life.
Do not enter the path of the wicked,
and do not walk in the way of evil men.
Avoid it; do not go on it;
turn away from it and pass on.
Proverbs 4:10–15
It can be hard to keep our lives on the “straight and narrow” path. We are distracted by worldly concerns, enticed by the dream of the bigger, better deal, and lured astray by our petty lusts for sex, money, or power. We are so busy trying to secure our meager place in the world. Remaking ourselves in God’s image can seem like such hard work; yet it is what we are commanded to do. Every moment of our lives is a holy construction project: we tear down the strongholds of sin and self and cooperate with God’s grace to build up the new man according to the blueprint of our faith.
As Catholics, we often forget that the work of smoothing the rough roads has already been done for us. There was a man who walked the rocky path up Calvary’s hill and made a way into heaven for all who would dare to believe. We are commanded to travel his path. We do this by holding fast to our teachings and traditions, the sacraments, and the saintly example of many who have gone before us. And just as the way has been made for us, we are commanded to prepare the way for those who come after us, removing the obstacles to deeper faith and walking with our brothers and sisters as together we share in the journey of salvation. If we let Christ, the cornerstone, be the foundation of our lives, we will be able to submit to his call to make the way of salvation straight.
Questions for Reflection
What areas of your faith (study, prayer, sacraments, etc.) need a bit of reconstruction? What steps can you take today to begin that work?
How can you clear the obstacles on your path in order to commit more deeply to your faith?
Where can you help to tear down obstacles and build up the faith of another man today?
Praying with Scripture
Trust in the LORD with all your heart,
and do not rely on your own insight.
In all your ways acknowledge him,
and he will make straight your paths. (Prov 3:5–6)
You can learn more about the To the Ends of the Earth Series HERE
You can watch and listen to this devotion HERE
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About the Author
Mark C. McCann is an author and Ministry Consultant with more than 30 years of writing and ministry experience. He has published articles for a number of Catholic magazines and websites including St. Anthony Messenger, Emmanuel Magazine, Liguorian Magazine, Catholic Stand, the Connecticut Catholic Men's Conference, and Homiletic and Pastoral Review. He recently published the 4-volume Catholic men's devotional, To the Ends of the Earth, as well as the 2021 Advent Daybreaks devotional and 2022 Lenten Daybreaks devotional with Liguori Publishing. He has also released his End Times novel series, Jacob's Dream: The Vision and Jacob's Dream: The Final Battle. He was a radio host and producer for 8 years at a Connecticut Christian radio station and has worked as a Catholic religion teacher/campus minister and a parish youth minister. He has also served the Norwich, CT Diocese as a Youth Ministry Director and Family Life Director. He currently lives in Connecticut with his Proverbs 31 wife, where together they have brought up three incredible children. He strives each day to live out his call to be a man of words. You can learn more about Mark and his writing at www.wordsnvisions.com.
