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The crowds asked John the Baptist, “What should we do?” Luke
3:10
Among those within the crowds who were asking Saint John the
Baptist this question were tax collectors, soldiers and ordinary
people. John gave an answer to them all, first telling them to turn
away from the sins that they struggled with the most. Sin takes on
many forms and often is closely associated with our daily duties in
life. Some sins are sins of commission, meaning sins we commit by
an intentional act. Some sins are those of omission, meaning a lack
of certain virtues or a failure to do what we ought to do.
After addressing the particular sins that those in the crowds were
struggling with, John then turns their attention to Christ. He
states to them that “one mightier than I is coming” and that “He
will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire.” In other words,
John was giving the people a twofold command. First, work to
overcome sin. And second, turn your eyes to Him Who is coming to
you. Repenting from sin is not enough. Once we repent, we must then
fill the void within our souls with the presence of Christ.
Advent, just like Lent, is an important time within our liturgical
year to heed these messages. Though it’s true that we must work to
overcome sin and turn to Christ every day of the year, God knows we
need a special time each year when we give concerted effort to
these spiritual endeavors. So before Advent passes you by, heed the
words of the Baptist and take some time to examine your conscience
thoroughly. Perhaps use a detailed list of the Ten Commandments or
the Seven Capital Sins. Once you do that, seek out an opportunity
to celebrate the Sacrament of Reconciliation. Doing so is essential
to a fruitful Advent season.
Once you thoroughly repent of the sins you struggle with the most
right now, turn to the Savior of the World with special
attentiveness to the miracle of the Incarnation this Advent. Spend
time adoring the God Who came to us in the form of a little child.
Meditate on this Gift. Gaze at a nativity scene prayerfully. Read
the Scripture passages about the birth of Christ. Close your eyes
and imagine yourself there at His birth.
Reflect, today, upon this twofold exhortation from John and apply
it to your Advent preparations. Cleanse your soul in a special way
from all sin this Advent. Then prayerfully ponder and meditate upon
the reality we are preparing to celebrate. As John says, allow the
Christ Child to truly “baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire”
through your deepening devotion and prayer this Advent.
My dear Jesus, please help me to see my sins as You see them.
Help me to be attentive to every sinful action I commit and even
those smaller sins of omission. As I ponder my sin, please draw me
to Your mercy and grace so that I can then open the eyes of my soul
more deeply to see You and to adore You more completely this
Advent. Jesus, I trust in You.
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Featured Image above: "Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is
close at hand!", via flickr
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