The familiar cry of John the Baptist to prepare the way of the Lord strikes a new chord in me as I listen to current issues and policies that tend to divide and tear apart our society. How can the paths be made straight in our world that is threatened by conflict, pollution, the rise of dangerous populism and a host of other crises? To what does this Gospel passage call me in this Advent season of waiting in hope for the coming of the kingdom. As I become more aware of the power and privilege I hold just because I am a middle -class white person, I am challenged to look more deeply into my relationship with the poor and marginalized in our society. Traditionally the focus has been on sharing our material abundance with those who do not have at this time, in order to bring joy and peace in the Christmas season. And this practice continues with astounding generosity and ample good will. But is there more to the way of the Lord at this time?
In my reflection on the symbols of this Gospel reading, the mountains and hills are where I find myself as part of our white middle-class culture that is favoured by the structures and policies of our society. The valley holds the poor and disenfranchised, those we traditionally reach out to. The crooked ways contain those who are without direction, and the rough ways are for those who face difficult challenges in life. To make the paths straight, it is necessary for the mountains to be brought low, for the safe and secure to leave a place of comfort and contentment, not just to share goods but to share life with the poor, the lost and the struggling. The valleys of pain and despair will be filled, the crooked ways made straight and the rough paths smooth when we walk in friendship, not just at Christmas, but in a lasting relationship with someone we see now as different because they don’t live by our norms. In the meantime, we can be more attentive to the language we use, and the attitudes we express about our brothers and sisters we don’t usually mingle with. We can become more informed about poverty issues, refugee struggles or gay rights so that we can challenge poor-bashing or distrust of those who are different. The way of Jesus is a path of unity, and begins with entering into a relationship with one who stands apart from you for a host of reasons. We wait in hope for the kingdom. Perhaps we are called today to take a step toward creating that kingdom as we prepare the way of the Lord.
- Sister Joan Driscoll, csj