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| PATHWALK LIGHTING December 09, 2023 |
A voice of one crying out in the desert:
“Prepare the way of the Lord,
make straight His paths.”
MATTHEW 1:2
A straight path is a metaphor for the way of righteousness and guidance that leads to God and His will. It is a common motif that symbolizes simplicity, clarity, honesty, or direction. It can also contrast with a crooked or winding path, which may represent complexity, confusion, deception, or diversion. The way of righteousness involves obeying God’s commands, following His wisdom, and living in His grace. It is the ethical principle that guides one’s actions and decisions. It is based on the recognition of the moral value of oneself and others, and the respect for the universal laws of nature and reason. The way of righteousness requires honesty, justice, compassion, and courage.
The beginning of the gospel of Jesus Christ the Son of God. As it is written in Isaiah the prophet: Behold, I am sending my messenger ahead of you; he will prepare your way. A voice of one crying out in the desert: “Prepare the way of the Lord, make straight his paths.” John the Baptist appeared in the desert proclaiming a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins. People of the whole Judean countryside and all the inhabitants of Jerusalem were going out to him and were being baptized by him in the Jordan River as they acknowledged their sins. John was clothed in camel’s hair, with a leather belt around his waist. He fed on locusts and wild honey. And this is what he proclaimed: “One mightier than I is coming after me. I am not worthy to stoop and loosen the thongs of his sandals. I have baptized you with water; he will baptize you with the Holy Spirit.” (Mark 1:1-8)
God is the source of true comfort for those who trust in Him. He is the Father of mercies and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our affliction. He also enables us to comfort others with the same comfort that we receive from Him. God’s comfort is not based on our circumstances, but on His promises and His presence. He is always with us, and He will never leave us nor forsake us. He is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. He cares for us and invites us to cast all our anxieties on Him. He heals our broken hearts and binds up our wounds. He gives us peace that surpasses all understanding, and joy that is unspeakable and full of glory. God’s comfort is a gift of His grace, and a sign of His love. He is the God of hope, who fills us with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit we may abound in hope.
Comfort, give comfort to my people, says your God. Speak tenderly to Jerusalem, and proclaim to her that her service is at an end, her guilt is expiated; indeed, she has received from the hand of the Lord double for all her sins. A voice cries out: In the desert prepare the way of the Lord! Make straight in the wasteland a highway for our God! Every valley shall be filled in, every mountain and hill shall be made low; the rugged land shall be made a plain, the rough country, a broad valley. Then the glory of the Lord shall be revealed, and all people shall see it together; for the mouth of the Lord has spoken. Go up onto a high mountain, Zion, herald of glad tidings; cry out at the top of your voice, Jerusalem, herald of good news! Fear not to cry out and say to the cities of Judah: Here is your God! Here comes with power the Lord God, who rules by his strong arm; here is his reward with him, his recompense before him. Like a shepherd he feeds his flock; in his arms he gathers the lambs, carrying them in his bosom, and leading the ewes with care. (Isaiah 40:1-5, 9-11)
God proclaims peace to His people and to His faithful ones. He speaks words of comfort, reconciliation, and harmony to those who trust in Him and follow His will. God’s peace is not like the peace of the world, which is based on external circumstances and human agreements. God’s peace is based on His promises and His presence, which are unchanging and everlasting. God’s peace surpasses all understanding and guards our hearts and minds in Christ Jesus. As Jesus said, "Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid" (Jn 14:27). He came and preached peace to you who were far away and peace to those who were near (Eph 2:17).
I will hear what God proclaims; the Lord—for he proclaims peace to his people. Near indeed is his salvation to those who fear him, glory dwelling in our land. Kindness and truth shall meet; justice and peace shall kiss. Truth shall spring out of the earth, and justice shall look down from heaven. The Lord himself will give his benefits; our land shall yield its increase. Justice shall walk before him, and prepare the way of his steps. (Psalm 85:9-10, 11-12, 13-14)
God is faithful and trustworthy, and He will fulfill His promise of the second coming of Christ and the final judgment. However, He is not bound by human time or expectations, and He does not act according to our schedule or convenience. Rather, He is merciful and compassionate, and He gives us time to repent and turn to Him. He does not want anyone to be condemned, but He wants everyone to be saved.
Do not ignore this one fact, beloved, that with the Lord one day is like a thousand years and a thousand years like one day. The Lord does not delay his promise, as some regard “delay,” but he is patient with you, not wishing that any should perish but that all should come to repentance. But the day of the Lord will come like a thief, and then the heavens will pass away with a mighty roar and the elements will be dissolved by fire and the earth and everything done on it will be found out. Since everything is to be dissolved in this way, what sort of persons ought you to be, conducting yourselves in holiness and devotion, waiting for and hastening the coming of the day of God, because of which the heavens will be dissolved in flames and the elements melted by fire. But according to his promise we await new heavens and a new earth in which righteousness dwells. Therefore, beloved, since you await these things, be eager to be found without spot or blemish before him, at peace. (2 Peter 3:8-14)
We should make every effort to live in a way that pleases God and reflects His holiness, while we wait for the return of Christ and the new heaven and earth. We should be at peace with God and others, not letting our hearts be troubled or afraid by the troubles of this world.
Pericope:
I: The Preparation for the Public Ministry of Jesus
THE PREACHING OF JOHN THE BAPTIST
Mark 1:1-8
I: The Lord's Glory in Israel's Liberation
PROMISE OF SALVATION
Isaiah 40:1-11
Third Book of Psalms 73-89
PRAYER FOR DIVINE FAVOR
Psalm 85:1-14
IV: The Delay of the Second Coming
DENIAL OF THE PAROUSIA / EXHORTATION TO PREPAREDNESS
2 Peter 3:1-10 / 11-16
Reflection Source:
Copilot with Bing Chat