First Week of Advent
Opening Song: Prepare Ye the Way of the Lord – Godspell
Reflection: The song, ‘Prepare Ye the Way of the Lord,’ was sung by John the Baptist in the play, Godspell. He was telling the people to prepare the way for one greater than he who was to come. How appropriate those words are to also announce the coming of the one who is greater than us. It is a call to prepare ourselves for the coming of the Christ Child.
The year 2020 has certainly been a hard year. COVID-19, the elections in the US, wildfires, landslides, mudslides, earthquakes, etc. etc. have all made this such a difficult time for everyone. It has been so hard to silence our minds and hearts. And yet, despite all of this, we are assured of the coming of Jesus. Despite all the despair and the chaos, we are assured that the Christ child will be born on Christmas Day.
In the Gospel for the first Sunday of Advent (Mark 13:33-37), we are told three times to be watchful. We have been listening for hours and hours to reports and updates about COVID-19, the elections, the different storms, etc. I find myself sometimes becoming numb to all that I am being bombarded with.
How can I silence my heart, my soul and my mind to prepare the way of the Lord this Advent?
What can I do to assure myself that despite all that is happening in this world, I will have Jesus born in my heart? What do I need to be watchful of to obtain the peace and love in my heart?
I know that it can be very frustrating when the words of some songs stay in my head. Perhaps, this Advent, it would be good to keep the words of ‘Prepare Ye the Way of the Lord’ in your head. Let it be a reminder that we are starting a very sacred and powerful journey to Bethlehem.
Lorraine Campanelli, CLM