From today’s Scripture: “Behold, I am sending my messenger ahead of you; he will prepare your way before you.”—Mt 11:10

A toymaker has to think ahead. First, get a good plan. Then figure out what your materials will be, then cut the wood just so. Almost done, right? No, the preparation will go on, as the toymaker sands the pieces again and again before they are ready for the final finish, whether it be paint or oil. It will take time. All that preparation pays off when it’s time to put it all together.

John the Baptist preached repentance as a way to get ready for the coming Messiah. Repentance, fundamentally, is restoring or renewing our relationship with God. That involves our frank admission or own shortcomings (sin) and a renewed commitment to be open to love. That refreshed commitment, really a moment of joy, is what Advent is about. First repentance, then refreshment. We give ourselves a few weeks to do that.

Let us pray: Thank you, God! Put your song in my heart today. Let me be glad to be close to you, let me be glad for all of the good things in life, even when there are hard things. Forgive my shortcomings, renew my heart.

Today’s author is John Feister, a widely published writer in Catholic media and former Communications Director for Glenmary.

Free delivery!  Sign up to receive this in English or in Spanish daily by email.