Prepare the way of the Lord, make straight his paths – Lk 3:1-6
Leo Tolstoy in an interesting novel entitled “How Much Land Does a Man Need?” tells the story of a hero to whom it was promised to own this much land as he could get around in one day. This man set out in the morning to make biggest circles as possible. He did not think about any rest or food, he had only one sentence in his head: "It's a waste of time!" It was already late when he realized that it was time to come back, as he might not be on time. Of course, he overestimated his strength and his appetite for possession. He did not manage to get back to the starting point. He fell from exhaustion near the finish line. Over the piled grave, one could hear the comment: " That's just so much land man needs".
This story is a warning to those who do not know how to make good choices. In the context of today's call of St. John, the Baptist, this is very important.
Antoine de Saint-Exupéry assured: "Do not expect anything from a man who works solely for the needs of his own life, and not for his lasting in eternity." Therefore, it is important to have an insight into our lives, motivations and intentions. Saint John the Baptist calls every man to verify his way of life: "Prepare the way of the Lord, make straight paths for Him." The symbolism of the road is enormously rich, as it presupposes a certain movement as well as a goal. So why should the road be straight?
Every driver or walker will admit that a road without turns is easier to overcome. The straight path shows the horizon, it shows the perspective! You may be tempted to interpret the curves and turns as sins. Any infidelity to the commandments causes "loss of visibility", the loss of "God's horizon". As an illustration, one can give an example of a serial killer who is serving many years in prison. In an interview, he admitted that every next killings were easy for him. Money mattered, and remorse was pushed aside. So, it can be said that terrible sins - " curves and turns " - changed the direction of his path. However, there is no need to give such drastic examples. Just look at your own way. Lies, slander, unreliability or other, sometimes trivial, neglect make "God's horizon" disappear, and a perspective full of selfishness and comfort appears. Hence, the call to straighten the way becomes an important Gospel message.
However, the straight path is not only the visible horizon. The road without curves and turns brings with it a greater sense of security. This way is just safer. It can therefore be said that a person who lives in a state of sanctifying grace has psychological comfort, because he knows that on this path, he is accompanied by the Lord straightening all the curves and turns. After all, we live in times when the danger is increasing. Many of our compatriots cannot withstand various tensions mentally, they fall into depression and apathy. They are often unable to make the right choices, and the decisions they make confuse their lives. We must mention many young people who are entering the path of drug addiction and alcoholism. Addiction is often balancing on the verge of life and death; therefore, it is not a straight and safe path. So maybe right now you need to look at your addictions and sins, which do not give us a sense of security, or for those who encounter us.
When we look at the symbolism of the straight path, we must mention one more aspect. A road without curves allows us to move quickly. A life full of good deeds and fighting with sins enables us to come closer to the source of salvation and joy which is Jesus Christ.
During Advent, as throughout the liturgical year, Mary helps us to straighten the paths of life, through whom God has spoken to all generations through the ages. Therefore, asking for the ability to walk the straight path, let us pray in the words of a prayer composed by Saint John Paul II, a great worshiper of the Mother of God.
Mary, all humble, hidden in the crowd, shrouded in mystery!
Help us to bring the Good News to the world
and immerse us in the mystery of Christ,
that we may share Him with our brothers.
Mary, all faithful, you were constantly looking for the face of the Lord,
You took over His secret and pondered it in your heart.
You lived what you believed
and you were a model of steadfastness in trial and exultation!
Help us stay true to our commitments,
to be good and faithful servants of your Son
until the last day of our lives on earth. Amen.
Until Tomorrow
fr. george