There is an Orthodox icon that depicts John the Baptist with wings. It is called “The Angel of the Desert” and serves to remind us that John is one of God’s messengers. As we busily prepare for the feast that marks the birth of Our Lord and the salvation of all, we are urged to pause for a moment by this great prophet who came to prepare the way for God.
John reminds us to look at how we are preparing to receive Him. Are we busy decorating our homes and shopping for gifts while at the same time neglecting to prepare ourselves spiritually? Do we go through the motions of going to church and receiving the sacraments without a deeply rooted faith that tells us why we do what we do? The Lord will not judge by appearances.
Nor can we simply trust in our privileged status as adopted children of God. God can raise up children from stones.
It is a great temptation for us to fall into a type of superficial “cultural Catholicism.” Like the Pharisees and Saducees that John confronted, we can appear to be models of faith but inwardly we are empty.
John preached repentance and forgiveness of sins. One of the best ways we can prepare ourselves for Christmastide is to take advantage of the sacrament of Reconciliation. Let us approach God humbly with open hearts and open minds. Allow Him to forgive our sins. Then we will truly be prepared to receive Him.
Pax vobiscum
2nd Sunday in Advent