Every Sunday, Bishop Edward Malesic writes a Scripture reflection for the faithful. Follow the bishop on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
Click HERE for the readings.
As a Pennsylvania native and resident for most of my life, let me tell you that there are some significant differences between the roads of my former home and those of my new home here in Ohio.
For the most part Ohio is flat. Pennsylvania is not.
Let me just say, driving in Ohio is less stressful (except when those drivers who think that they are competing in a NASCAR race share the road with me). In Ohio, you can see far ahead to know where you are driving. In Pennsylvania, the twists and turns, valleys, and mountains, make driving a bit more challenging.
Now, for my friends in Pennsylvania, yes I do miss many things, but the roads are not one of them.
This is all a prelude to our reflection on John the Baptist who was the voice crying out in the desert, “Prepare the way of the Lord, make straight his paths. 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.”
God has a way of cutting through the barriers that we put up. God has a way of tearing down the obstacles of our hearts. God wants to come to us, and God will come to us.
We can, however, give a hand in this great highway-to-the-heart project that God is leading. We can do our part to “prepare the way of the Lord.” We can use the sacrament of reconciliation, confess our sins, and receive God’s healing grace. We can make a special effort to open our hearts a little wider to God at the celebration of Holy Mass. Perhaps we can take the time to read through one of the Gospels as we approach the celebration of Christ’s birth. But always remember, only God can tear down the big mountains and fill in the deep valleys. For that, we must continue to pray for the Lord to do his work in us. May we be open to his construction (or reconstruction) project in each of us. Then we shall see the salvation of God ahead as we make our way toward the Kingdom.
Have a blessed week everyone.