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“Every valley shall be filled and every mountain and hill shall
be made low. The winding roads shall be made straight, and the
rough ways made smooth, and all flesh shall see the salvation of
God.” Luke 3:5–6
These, the words of the prophet Isaiah, were spoken about the
mission of Saint John the Baptist. John was to “Prepare the way of
the Lord” and to “make straight his paths.” In prophesying this,
Isaiah goes on to give this very descriptive image of John’s
ministry. It would be one that levels mountains and valleys,
straightens every winding road, and smooths out the rough terrain.
In other words, John came to remove every obstacle to God, making
it easy to encounter the Messiah.
How does John complete this mission? By calling the people of that
time to the dry and empty desert where all the false allurements
cease to exist. This is done by detachment from the many sins and
temptations they faced. Their repentance was an act by which the
people humbled themselves before God, admitted their sins and
acknowledged their need for a Savior. This humble admission,
coupled with the commitment to change their ways, prepared heart
after heart for the grace and mercy that came through Christ the
Lord.
Today, there are countless obstacles to grace that so many people
encounter. Some have been drawn into the satisfactions of earthly
riches and material comforts and find little need for God. Others
have very little that this world can offer but are consumed with a
desire for money and the passing comforts it promises. And still
others are drawn into many other forms of sins and false
satisfactions. But there are some who are like a dry and deserted
desert, just waiting to soak up the gentle rain of God’s grace.
These are those who have sought to detach themselves from the false
promises of this world and remain “empty” and “dry” so as to be
prepared for the abundance of grace when it comes. These holy souls
have heeded the call to repentance and have humbly acknowledged
their need for the Savior.
Reflect, today, upon whether or not your soul is like that dry and
barren desert, detached from all the false and passing
satisfactions of this world, and prepared to soak up the mercy and
grace of God alone. Repentance brings forth detachment, and
detachment prepares the soul for God. When one is truly detached
and free from the many obstacles to God, then the road from God to
your soul will be straight and easily traveled. Reflect upon your
soul today and where you see unhealthy attachments. Repent with all
your heart so that you are among those most fully ready for an
abundance of the grace and mercy of God.
Lord, I turn to You in my need and repent of the many lies and
false promises of satisfaction in this world. Please free me from
all that is not of You so that my soul will be more fully prepared
to soak You and Your mercy up like a gentle rain upon a dry and
barren desert. I open myself to You, my Lord. Come fill and satiate
my soul. 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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