When we fail to prepare, we prepare to fail

Gospel Thoughts

Advent Season : 2nd Sunday

GOSPEL Mark 1:1-8

First Reading - Is 40:1-5, 9-11

Second Reading : 2 Pet 3:8-14

When we fail to prepare, we prepare to fail

*1) Preparation is the main theme of Today's Liturgy*

The word prepare comes from the Latin word *prae* which means ‘before’ 

*parare* which means ‘to get ready’

So to prepare means to get ready before an action takes place

*2) The preparation origins in God*

God is fond of preparing right from the beginnings

Before creating the animals and plants God prepared the land and Sea (Gen 1:10)

Before the creation of Man God prepared the Garden of Eden (Gen 2:8-9)

Before every divine action there is always a corresponding divine preparation

God prepared a ram of sacrifice in the place of Isaac   (Gen 22:13)

Before people of Israel left Egypt God used the Passover to prepare them (Ex 12)

Before Jeremiah was formed God prepared him for a mission (Jer 1:5)

God prepared our redemption through the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ (John 3:17)

God had created every human being for a divine purpose – are we prepared to offer ourselves to Him?

*3) Three People and their  Three Messages*

In the three readings three messages to the three communities to prepare the path or Road (Heart) For the Lord who is coming

Isaiah speaks to the people of Israel in  exile “He is your God”

John the Baptist in the Gospel to the people Palestine speaks about humility and repentance

Apostle Peter speaks to the Christian communities after 40years of Jesus’ death and resurrection – his talk is “No one can be Lost”  

*4) Three ways to Prepare*

 Preparing the road to the Heart includes three things

*Leveling*

*Filling*

*Making plain*

*5) Three ways applied to Spiritual Life*

In the spiritual life similar activities are  recommended

*Level the mountains* we have lots of destructive mountains in the form of sin, 

The Mountain of Anger,  Hatred, Jealousy, revenge, Pride, need to level.

*Fill the valleys* : Fill the valleys of emptiness of our life with the virtues like patience, watchfulness, love, generosity, sincerity etc.

*Make the uneven   path straight* : This has to do with the straightening of our attitudes and making positive changes. 

Often we are lukewarm; neither hot nor cold. The word of God says He will spit us out if we are lukewarm (Rev 3:15-16)

*6) Advent is a time of preparation to change ourselves*

We need to realise this. This change should happen within ourselves and not outside of us 

Only a genuine and rigours preparation will help us to have internal change during this Advent Season 

Preparation is the success of every little thing that we undertake in our life. 

If so value the aspect of preparation and life will be colourful and Holy.

*God bless you and your family. Praying for you and your dear ones*

*Fr Maxim Dsouza*

*Jeppu Seminary*

*Mangalore*