Did I Come Close?

   

Second Sunday of Advent

08 December 2024

 

First Reading: Bar 5:1-9

Responsorial Psalm: Ps 126:1-2, 2-3, 4-5, 6

Second Reading: Phil 1:4-6, 8-11

Gospel: Lk 3:1-6

 

Reflection

By: Grace B. Madrinan

 

In the recent Feast Conference I attended, Jonathan Roumie, the actor who portrayed Jesus in the TV series "The Chosen" was asked, "If you will see Jesus face to face, what will you say to Him?"

Jonathan answered, "Was I close? Did I come close to how You want people to see You through me?"

I believe that should also be our state of mind everyday. At the end of the day, did we make Jesus proud? The intention is not to make us feel distressed but more of repentant with the intention to do better the next day.

Today's Gospel says, "A voice of one crying out in the desert: 'Prepare the way of the Lord, make straight his paths' (Luke 3:4)." In the same line of thought, are we preparing the way of the Lord? Or are we the burden to His path?

Preparing the way of the Lord seems to be a daunting task. But we can start with the little gestures that can mean more to the receiver. A practical example would be controlling our temper, practicing patience while driving or commuting to work, and being kind to an erring staff. As Mother Teresa said, "We cannot all do great things, but we can do small things with great love."

Prayer

Father teaches us how to prepare the way of the Lord. May we not be the cause of our brother to stumble away from His path but instead a beacon of Your love. In Jesus' name we pray. Amen.

(* Feast Conference is the yearly gathering organized by the Light of Jesus, a Catholic Charismatic community)