Second Sunday of Advent
It was of [John the Baptist] that the prophet Isaiah had spoken when he said:
A voice of one crying out in the desert,
Prepare the way of the Lord,
make straight his paths. Matthew 3:3
John the Baptist points the way to Jesus, the Compassion of God, the Prince of Peace. How have I pointed the way to compassion and peace today? Will I make the effort to point the way to compassion and peace tomorrow?
Lord, let the light of your peace shine through me in my little corner of the world. Show me how to respect, honor, and love every member of your human family—those I know and those I will never meet.
Luke 10:38-42
Johannes (Jan) Vermeer – Christ in the House of Martha and Mary, 1654
Google Art Project
Wikimedia Commons
I tend to be like Martha – keeping busy, doing the laundry, making a meal, getting the groceries, rushing to work, paying the bills, checking my email… and welcoming friends and even strangers who need a listening ear.
On the other hand, I tend to be like Mary – taking time to ponder the things of God. I love to sit on my step and look at the trees and feel the Holy Spirit wind. I love to walk on the beach and feel the rhythm of the ocean and watch the sea gulls soaring. I love to talk to friends and hear their stories and insights about life. I love having time to do nothing in particular except be.
Jesus is right: Mary has chosen the better part. But he didn’t say that Martha’s part isn’t good or necessary. I think he is giving me a gentle reminder about balance. If I am a spiritual being in human form, then I need to consciously place my spirit in the presence of God every day.
[Jesus] said to them, “The harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few.” Luke 10:2a
Do I bring peace with me wherever I go, whatever place I enter? Do I smile, say please and thank you, hold the door for others? Do I make eye contact and greet everyone I meet? Do I stop to help someone in need, listen to someone’s story, comfort someone who is suffering? Do I remember to be grateful for running water, plentiful food, access to education, and all the other gifts that fill my daily life?
How can I bring a bit of the Lord’s peace with me today?
Mary Ann McSweeny 