Advent Reflections: "Prepare the Way of the Lord"

In the Second Sunday of Advent, one figure that stands out in the Readings of the Liturgy is St. John the Baptist, the precursor of the Lord Jesus. In the Reading from the Prophet Isaiah, it is stated that a "voice cries out from the desert, prepare ye the way of the Lord." This is a foreshadowing of the future "mission" of the Baptist, to somehow convert the hearts of the people as a preparation for the coming of the Messiah. In the Gospel according to Mark, the evangelist describes the "mission" of the Baptist, that is, to be the "pointer", as it were, to Jesus Christ.

As we continue with our advent preparations, perhaps it would be helpful if we take from the readings a very salient point -- that of "pointers" to Christ. John the Baptist had always been the "pointer" to Christ; his mission was to bring the people to the Messiah, to point to them the direction of the Savior for them to follow. There are many "pointers" to God in our lives -- be they persons, things, or even events and experiences. But the question is, "Are we sensitive to the pointers and to the One they are pointing to?" We pray then that we be sensitive and keen, that indeed in this holy season, we may fix our gaze on Christ -- the One who is to come. Amen.