Scripture Reflection with Deacon Jeff Boehlert
Deacon Jeff Boehlert
Do you know what are the two most important days of your life? Of course, the first one is your birthday. If you don’t know the second one, read on!
Advent season is about WAITING, REFLECTING, PREPARING our hearts, mind, and homes WITH HOPE-filled faith that one day we will enjoy eternal life with those we love and the God who brought all of us together in this world.
We try to set aside these weeks preceding Christmas so we can truly be thankful for what Christmas is supposed to be all about…e.g., the birth of our Savior, Jesus Christ. Easier said than done in our busy lives and chaotic world!
But we are reminded over, and over again, God will move mountains and fill the deepest of gorges to keep us connected to Him.
That was the message of the first reading today. God told Israel: put aside your worries, look around you and will see that I will protect and guide my people with mercy and justice.
John the Baptist’s message in the Gospel is instructive of our role: We need to prepare the way for the Lord in our lives in the same way that God does for us. Move mountains of stubbornness, straighten roads of poor choices, smooth rough relationships…open our hearts to the gift and wonder of Jesus and do whatever is necessary to see the salvation God wills for each of us!
The 2nd most important day of your life is the day you understand your purpose in life. Each of us is given unique skills and opportunities to fulfill that purpose. Even amidst the uncertainty the past 18 months of pandemic have thrown at our world we must never forget God’s promises.
As we reflect on the voice that cried 2000 years ago from the desert pointing the world to Jesus, we too are called to wait and prepare the way for our Lord in prayer and faithful action.
During this season of hope let us all try our hardest to focus on what God has given us, be thankful and use those skills with purpose. For truly “The Lord has done great things for us; we are filled with joy”.
God bless you and your family in this season that unites God’s universal family unlike anything else in the world.
What line stood out to you most from today’s Gospel (Luke 3:1-6)? Why?
How can the readings and reflections offer you comfort or inspire you this day?