Dear Friend,

Reflection by Deacon Patrick J. Cline, M.A. 

“Prepare the way of the Lord, make straight his path.” Our readings echo this Sunday’s Alleluia verse either directly or subtly, but the message of what we are called to do is clear.

Some people are good at preparing, others are not.  I am in the latter category. I have always been a last-minute (literally) type of person.  In my academic career, preparation for tests or papers was spelled C-R-A-M!  Before I retired, I traveled extensively for work. Invariably, whether it was for a one-day trip or a prolonged stay, the limo driver would be in front of our house while I rushed around doing some last-minute packing or tasks.

As I write this, my wife and I are preparing for a big trip.  Vivian has set out a schedule for accomplishing everything we need to do in the three days remaining. I am hoping to comply with that timeframe, but honestly right now the odds are only a little better than even.

This lack of serious preparation might work for everyday occurrences but not for really important concepts like the coming of the Lord. To be ready, to fully understand what is required by that simple phrase, “prepare the way of the Lord,” needs time and focus.  As Christians our entire life should be spent preparing for his two comings. But this holy season of Advent calls us to a deeper awareness how we must prepare for both, the nativity of Jesus Christ on December 25th and the Lord’s return, either at the end the world or at the end of each individual life.

So, every year the Church gives us this period of twenty or more days to really emphasize our preparation. There are aids that can help us: a Jesse or Giving Tree in the parish, Advent calendars (preferably not those filled with chocolates) and the Advent Wreath. But our best preparation is internal.

A deeper reflection on the prayers of the Liturgy of the Hours and Mass Readings throughout the season will help to guide us to be ready for both events. And of course, taking advantage of the sacrament of Reconciliation, either individually or as part of a Penance Service that many parishes offer is a perfect idea.

A week has gone by and because the fourth Sunday of Advent this year is Christmas Eve, we only have two more weeks to “Make ready the way of the Lord.” Will we use all these coming days to prayerfully prepare, or will we be stuffing things in at the last minute, following my suitcase packing regimen?

Know someone who may be interested in receiving our daily reflection emails? Invite them to sign up by visiting our subscription page.

Deacon Patrick J. Cline, M.A. '14 was ordained for the Diocese of Brooklyn 45 years ago and has served in the Diocese of Metuchen for 37 years at St Bernard of Clairvaux Parish, Bridgewater, NJ.  He has served as the Associate Formation Director for the Permanent Diaconate classes of 2015, 2019 and the current candidate class scheduled for ordination next spring. Deacon Patrick earned a Master of Arts in Theology from Immaculate Conception Seminary School of Theology, Seton Hall University.