The Path to Freedom
In this Sunday’s Gospel, we encounter John the Baptist, who is “preaching a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins”. In this way, he prepares the people for the coming of Jesus, the Messiah. John is the voice crying out in the wilderness, in fulfilment of the prophecy found in the book of Isaiah 40:1-11. We are told to “prepare a way for the Lord, make his paths straight.”
Luke is careful to remind us of the Roman occupation in Judaea. The people were desperate for a messiah to deliver them to freedom. Whilst they looked for a political saviour, John the Baptist had a bigger and better vision of the freedom the true Messiah would bring.
There is great joy to be found in the closing line of today’s Gospel: “And all mankind shall see the salvation of God.”
It is through our relationship with God, and the Sacrifice He willingly made, that brings true freedom to humanity – freedom from death and from sin.
God often delivers ‘freedom’ to me in unexpected ways. The ways in which he teaches me to follow Him more closely can feel like a punishment at times, until I look back on events months or years later and realise that it was all for the best.
In the midst of difficulty, like the 1st Century Jews were experiencing under the weight of Roman rule, we have to hold on to our faith and remember that God’s will is best for us. This is true, I promise; his love for us knows no bounds. We must find joy in this truth, even when our path to freedom is anything but straight.
Today's readings: Baruch 5:1-9 Psalm 125 Philippians 1:3-6, 8-11 Luke 3:1-6
Source: Second Sunday of Advent
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