Second Sunday – Advent Cycle C

Reflecting on Luke 3:1-6

We are now in Cycle C, the year of Luke, the magnificent writer and historian.  Notice how he places his story in its exact historical context by naming the year, the emperor, the governor, the tetrarchs and the high priests.  Into this civil and religious timeline steps John the Baptist, whom Luke has told us is Jesus’ own cousin.  We find him on the banks of the Jordan, preaching a baptism of repentance and reminding his audience of the long ago prophecies of a time of great return.

When emperors and kings visited their provinces it required a lot of advance construction work on the part of the

John the Baptist

recipients of the visit.  Rough places that would clog imperial processions had to be made smooth.  Winding roads had to be made straight so that the royal entourage could pass easily.  Those are the kinds of projects today’s readings are talking about―getting rid of whatever is standing in the way of our encounter with God.  It makes you wonder if maybe these Advent days are going to be about smashing down the roadblocks to our own hard hearts.

I’ll bet you know someone―maybe it’s you―who’s been asking questions about coming back to church.  Whatever the roadblocks that have been keeping so many away, this season is the perfect time to open wide the doors of forgiveness and restored relationships in Christ.  Come, Lord Jesus, make safe the return of all who seek You.

Sharing God’s Word at Home:

What kind of roadblocks do you think are keeping baptized people away from returning to the Church?

Advent - Cycle C