There are three important characters during the Advent season who speak to us: Isaiah, John the Baptist, and our Blessed Mother Mary. According to Christian teaching, the book of Isaiah prophesied the coming of Our Lord Jesus Christ, while John is the voice in the desert who says: “Prepare the way of the Lord, make straight his paths.” John, a humble servant of God, awaits and prepares Jesus’ coming saying “the one who is coming after me is mightier than I.” In the coming weeks, as the Season of Advent continues, we will hear more about our Blessed Mother, who having said ‘yes’ to God’s will, brings Our Lord Jesus Christ into the world. In the book of Isaiah, the Lord promises a king to unite both peoples Jews and Gentiles. Our Lord Jesus Christ fulfills this promise granting his followers glory and salvation.

On reflecting on these readings, what most grabs my attention is John’s call to repentance and conversion. He says “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand!” During this Season of Advent, God again invites all of us to seek forgiveness. This is one reason why reconciliation services are held in our Churches during Advent. This call is for all of us to answer because it is a call to a new life in Christ. Sometimes, we get caught up with the gifts and trips during the Christmas break, but these things come to pass. Let us prepare our hearts--our manger for the coming of Christ the King to dwell in us. To unite us as brothers’ and sisters.’ For this is his gift to us, unity and salvation. Like John the Baptist, who prepared the way for our Lord Jesus Christ, let us too prepare our hearts and humbly pronounce “I am not worthy Lord to untie your sandals, but just a touch from you will be enough to heal my soul.”