Prepare the way of the Lord

Yeaterday we started a new journey, Advent.  This time between now and Christmas is a time for us to prepare for the coming of the Lord into our hearts and into our world.  St Francis at the start of his ministry and frequently thereafter took time out to pray and spend time with the Lord.  During that time he not only prayed but he listened as well.  He came out of those time with renewed purpose and new commissions from God.  That is something we should do during Advent.

We spend so much time and effort buying things for others at Christmas that we forget to take time for ourselves and for God.  While you spouse or children or parents may love the things you buy them would they rather have a calm loving you more committed to God and refreshed in you faith?  Wouldn't you?

The Blessed Virgin Mary is starting her journey.  First she says yes to the Lord and then she goes out in service.  Our yes to the Beloved has to involve the same kind of going out to help others.  I would like warn against the kind of service that serves ourselves more than others.  You know what this is, the one time volunteering at a food pantry that is really a great photo opp to be posted on Facebook.  It should be a commitment and like Mary's journey to Elizabeth it should be a bit hard and uncomfortable.  It should move us along on the journey toward God not simply more of the same.  We should also not look for or try to get praise for what we do, otherwise we already have our reward.

As always, start the journey with prayer, listen to what God is calling you to do, commit to it,and end with prayer.  The goal is Christmas, not just the day, but Christmas in our hearts.