Sunday Gospel Reflection (Dec 8, 2024)

What really prepares the way of the Lord in the world today?

I am not going to pretend to know the psychological or sociological reasons behind one’s unwillingness to evangelize. Other than fear, I am not sure there is a reason to share something you genuinely love with someone else. I am not dismissive of the other reasons people can think of, I am saying that those reasons all probably simplify down to fear. “What if I share it and am rejected?” That’s fear. “What if I say something wrong and the person is further alienated?” That is also fear. “What if the person had a bad experience and I picking an emotional scab?” Fear. There is no shame in feeling this fear, only in letting it run your life.

If you don’t see yourself as an evangelist, then you are a pre-evangelist…

This, however, is not the point of this reflection. Even if one feels ill-equipped to present the faith, then one must act in the prophetic role of St. John the Baptizer and prepare the way of the Lord. The role of royal herald was one that was fulfilled after a military campaign in order to make the entrance, basically the claiming of the new territory, by the emperor more glorious. Paths were leveled and paved in order to make the journey more smooth. Despite the conquered nature of the new territory, the Romans knew they were improving it simply by their presence. While the imperialist motives do not relate to the Gospel narrative, there is still a similar heraldry by John.

So, how did St. John the Baptizer prepare the way?

It was not comfortable or easy. Remember, the process was done to make it easier for the “important” person who followed. John had to make known the need for the Messiah so that Jesus could fill that need. If we are not giving people Jesus, are we showing them the need for Jesus? Sometimes I think this necessary work might be even harder. 

How do we do it?

It sounds too simple, but the way to “prepare the way” in someone’s heart, to help them realize their need for Jesus, is to listen. They will reveal their need, their hurt, their struggle, if one listens. Once you catch it, you can repeat what they have just revealed back to them. They will hear back their own words and, because you listened, will be more receptive to the struggle you recognize in them. Once this way has been revealed and prepared, there will be a path for “the Way” to meet them.