Episode 23: Prepare the Way

12/05/24 • 39 min

John the Baptist preaches the forgiveness of sins to help prepare the way of the Lord, but are we listening to his message? Do we hold onto those valleys that divide us from one another? Do we build up mountains to separate ourselves from those who are difficult to deal with or who challenge us? The season of Advent is the time when we prepare for the coming of Jesus, but are we preparing ourselves? Are we opening our hearts and minds to let God in so that he can complete the good work he began in us?

This week's readings:
Gospel - Luke 3: 1-6
1st Reading - Baruch 5: 1-9
Psalm 126
2nd Reading - Philippians 1: 4-6, 8-11

This week's readings:
Gospel - Luke 3: 1-6
1st Reading - Baruch 5: 1-9
Psalm 126
2nd Reading - Philippians 1: 4-6, 8-11

Previous Episode

Episode 22: The End Is Inevitable

This week we enter into the Season of Advent, a season full of watchful waiting, a season of anticipation and hope. Our culture tells us we should already be focused on Christmas, and there’s nothing wrong with decorating our homes, buying gifts, baking cookies, and sending cards, but what about focusing on the season of Advent at the same time? The end will come, whether we’re ready or not... the end of Advent, the end of our lives, the end of time. So, as we wait for Christmas day to come, let’s ask ourselves: are our hearts and minds really ready for the arrival of our Savior? Or should we spend a portion our time preparing for the Christmas holiday, actually preparing ourselves to receive the Child Jesus with joy?

This week's readings:
Gospel - Luke 21: 25-28, 34-36
1st Reading - Jeremiah 33: 14-16
Psalm 25
2nd Reading - 1 Thessalonians 3:12 - 4:2

Next Episode

Episode 24: Rejoice!

This week is Gaudete Sunday, a day of rejoicing! John the Baptist is still preaching the good news to us and teaching us how to act to prepare for the coming of the Lord. Advent is inviting us to shout for joy, to sing in exultation, to be confident and without fear. But are we listening? Are we allowing the quiet of these long December nights to calm our hearts and quiet our minds so that we are ready for the peace of God to enter in through Jesus, our Savior?

This week's readings:
Gospel - Luke 3: 10-18
1st Reading - Zephaniah 3: 14-18a
Isaiah 12
2nd Reading - Philippians 4: 4-7