Suggestions for Preparing the Lord’s Way
Friends,
In the Gospel today, we hear the voice of St. John the Baptist: “I am the voice of one crying out in the desert, make straight the way of the Lord.”
Since we as a parish take the name of St. John as our patron, then we too must “make straight the way of the Lord.” How do we do that??? Here are a couple suggestions…
1. We can make straight the way of the Lord by reaching out to some of our alienated family. It only takes a Christmas card or a phone call or a visit. Christmas is a time for healing and reconciliation, and that fits in perfectly with cry of St. John the Baptist.
2. We could adopt a poor family, perhaps in the GRIP shelter. How would you feel to have to observe Christmas in a small cubicle in a homeless shelter? Of course, Mary and Joseph had no home in which to bring the Christ Child into this world. However, the shepherds and wise men came and brought comfort and gifts. Perhaps you can do the same. The number of the GRIP Shelter 233-2141.
3. Our sister parish in Haiti will celebrate Christmas by going to church, but for many there will be little food to celebrate the birth of the Lord. Food for Haiti would be another way to prepare the way of the Lord. I have already sent some money to Haiti for Christmas from our charity account. Make your check out to St. John (Haiti).
4. There are lots of charities that appeal to us for support at Christmas. I am sure you get countless appeals, just like I do. I have a few choice charities that I support.
The key to all of this is TO DO SOMETHING. We simply cannot just hear the Gospel and not respond. “Make straight the way of the Lord.”
Peace,
Fr. John Maxwell
