When you cook, you need a certain amount of time to get prepared: clear the work space; make an ingredients list; set out your utensils and cookware. In a similar way we need time and attention to prepare to encounter Jesus Christ in our spiritual lives. May the example of John the Baptist inspire us to make the necessary preparations we need, and empower us to help others encounter the Lord as well.
The wise women in the Gospel today remind us that we are called to be prepared to live our faith for the long haul. Saying yes to the Lord is a crucial step, but it is reaffirmed moment-by-moment as we keep true every day to the teaching and example of Jesus.
The Lord invites us to stay awake and alert so that when he calls us we are ready to respond. It begs a question: Do I have any unfinished business that needs to be addressed today? May we examine our hearts and take whatever steps are necessary to be prepared to follow Jesus.
All of the Scripture readings evoke a call to action; we are invited to get ready, be prepared, and attentive to the Lord and one another. May this Advent season – a gift of the Church – help us all to get our hearts and minds ready for the birth of Jesus Christ!
Three Great Things 