Advent 2 – Is 40:1-5,9-11; Ps 84:9-14; 2 P 3:8-14; Mark 1:1-8

“Prepare the way for the Lord, make his paths straight.” (Mk 1:3).

The path is a symbol of our lives as well as waiting for a meeting. Saint John the Baptist calls us to “declutter” and clean up life’s paths from unnecessary obstacles, and residual rubbish. Advent cleaning mainly concerns our weaknesses, sins, and difficult experiences, which, like a wall, separate us from God. Equally, arrogance and pride can nest in our heart, which also prevents acceptance of God’s liberation.

The examination of conscience is first to help us to look in a spirit of gratitude at the time given to us by God. In the context of what is “behind us”, it is worth looking at what “is yet to come”. And come down from the mountain of “ego” and come out of the valley of weakness to meet the One that comes to save us.

Expectation is vigilance and prayer; it is the opening of the heart to the transforming power of God’s mercy. In this way, we also try to accelerate the coming of the “new heaven and new earth”, which now – through the holiness of life – can become our contribution. So, on the way!