“Prepare the way of the Lord”

BIBLICAL TEXT: Luke 3:1-6

LECTIO: What does the text say?

Bible Study.

We are at the second Sunday of advent and the readings are from the evangelist Saint Luke. The central axis of the reading this Sunday is the preaching of John the Baptist. The passage starts narrating the historical context in which the John the Baptist was preaching and in which Jesus was baptized. Luke intentionally emphasizes this story in the grand context of salvation history.

Among the public authorities, both political and religious, that the evangelist names are Herod, Pontius Pilate, Annas, and Caiaphas. By mentioning these names at the beginning, he is already casting the shadow the Cross that will hang over Jesus’ public life.

It is God himself who directs his gaze and his voice through John the Baptist, and chooses him to go throughout the whole region of the Jordan, proclaiming a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins. As it is written in the book of the words of the prophet Isaiah, which he refers to: “A voice of one crying out in the desert…”

This text from the prophet Isaiah (Is 40:3-5) describes the return of the jews after the Babylon exile: the Lord walks at the head of his people, and a herald, John the Baptist, goes before him to announce his coming and to prepare his way.

Remember that John is this son of Zechariah and Elizabeth, the cousin of the Mother of Jesus. The nativity of John is in itself a work of God and a miracle considering the age of his parents.

Baptismal practices were frequent among some jewish sects, but the baptism that John offered was not only of ritual value. Rather it presupposed and signified moral purification, as it opened the baptized to receive the Messiah who was going to baptize them with the Holy Spirit.

This text of Isaiah from the Old Testament speaks of the saving intervention of God that comes out of his inscrutable plans to judge and save. We have to open the doors to him. We need to prepare the way. With the preaching of the baptism that made all the old words of hope a reality, something truly great was announced.

Let’s reconstruct the text:

1. According to the passage, which year gives context to the events?

2. Who are some of the authorities that are named?

3. To whom is God directing his word? Who was he the son of?

4.What region did John go to?

5. What did John the Baptist proclaim when he went to these places?

6. Which prophet does this passage refer to?

7. What is the central message of that reference?

MEDITATIO: What is God saying to me through the text?

Let’s ask some to go deeper in this Word of Salvation:

1. Do I understand that God has a “plan of Salvation” that includes all of us? What does Salvation mean to me? Do I seek salvation through daily life?

2. Do I understand that Christ will come at the end of time? What does the phrase “prepare the way of the Lord” say to me? Do I prepare this way by which the Lord will come? This way that I should prepare is my life, my family, my community… What else does it include?

3. Does the proclamation of the Gospel also invite me to change and to repent?

4. Do I live as if I’m part of this history of Salvation that God has thought of from all of eternity? Do I know people who don’t know or aren’t conscious of being part of the plan of salvation? Does this situation lead me to be a witness of salvation for others? How do I express the salvation of God? Do I do it from the joy of the Gospel?

ORATIO: What do I want to say to God?

To pray is to respond to the Lord who speaks to us first. We desire to hear his Saving Word. This Word is very different from that the world offers us and now is the time to say something to the Lord.

Jesus Christ, Word of the Father,

eternal light of all believers:

come and hear the ardent plea,

come, Lord, because it’s getting late.

When the world sleeps in darkness,

in your love, you wanted to help them

and coming to Earth, you brought

this life that can save them.

History, already ripe with promises,

only wishes for your return;

if silence matures the waiting,

love will not be fulfilled by silence.

With Mary, the Church awaits you

with spousal and motherly desire,

and gathers her children

to await you together.

When you come, Lord, in your glory,

may we go out to meet you

and live by your side forever,

giving thanks to our Father in the kingdom.

Remain silent for a moment to reflect and respond to the Lord.

Add your prayer intentions and say:

Amen.

CONTEMPLATIO: How do I internalize the Word of God?

In a moment of contemplation, repeat this verse of the Gospel many times so that it may enter your life, your heart.

“Prepare the way of the Lord”

ACTIO: What do I promise God?

There should be a noticeable change in my life. If I don’t change, then I am not a true Christian.

If you are alone, go back and carefully read the readings. Do some work that transmits the Good News of salvation, something that is for the good of all (it can be something to cheer up a person that is sad, or someone who feels alone and clearly proclaim Jesus the Christ to them) and that shows that you are awaiting Jesus.

If you are in a group, discuss about different ways to proclaim the Salvation of God and the times that we can put up obstacles and not be witnesses and heralds. As a group, do a public work that shows our faith. For example, a concert of Catholic music, a theatrical performance or something that will help you be public witnesses of our Christian joy.