Scripture Scribbles: December 8, 2024

the Gospel

Luke 3:1-6

In the fifteenth year of the reign of Tiberius Caesar, 
when Pontius Pilate was governor of Judea, 
and Herod was tetrarch of Galilee,
and his brother Philip tetrarch of the region
of Ituraea and Trachonitis, 
and Lysanias was tetrarch of Abilene, 
during the high priesthood of Annas and Caiaphas, 
the word of God came to John the son of Zechariah in the desert.
John went throughout the whole region of the Jordan, 
proclaiming a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins, 
as it is written in the book of the words of the prophet Isaiah:
    A voice of one 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.”

the scribble

Recently, we celebrated the Baptism of our fifth child. As Catholic parents, through infant Baptism, we take on the promise to prepare the hearts and souls of our children for the Kingdom of Heaven. Not an easy task!

We often desire to make their paths straight, mountains low, and rough ways smooth on our own accord; however, in our Baptisms we are called to deeper conversion and surrender to allow the Holy Spirit to guide us in our parenting and lives. Suffering will happen for us and our children and the surrender is oh so difficult.

This Advent, we are invited to do just that - surrender - as we prepare for the birth of the Word made Flesh. Some of us may be in a time of peace, hope, joy, and love - confident in God’s light as the days grow colder and darker.  While others may be suffering on the winding roads, climbing high mountains, or dwelling in empty valleys - not trusting His love. 

Wherever we are this Advent, today’s Gospel reminds us of the salvation we’ve already received and will receive for eternity when we repent and allow Him to heal us through our Baptism and the Sacraments He left for us. 

Advent. A time of preparation. A season of pondering and waiting. Baptism. Reconciliation. Healing. Birth. New life. Jesus is coming. Prepare your heart for the Lord.

Today’s devotion was written by Diana Giard