December 8, 2024.
“And he went into all the region around the Jordan, preaching a baptism of repentance for the remission of sins,as it is written in the book of the words of Isaiah the prophet, saying: “The voice of one crying in the wilderness: “Prepare the way of the Lord; make His paths straight. Every valley shall be filled and every mountain and hill brought low; the crooked places shall be made straight and the rough ways smooth; and all flesh shall see the salvation of God.” (Luke 3, 3-6)
In Spanish, to preach in the desert is synonymous with wasting time trying to convince someone who refuses to listen. It is possible that in the language of the Bible it didn’t mean exactly the same thing given that the desert was inhabited by nomads. In our era, however, the idea seems truer than ever. We frequently feel like we are surrounded by a desert of loneliness. Around us many, if not all, give the impression of ignoring or despising the faith. Despite the fact that the churches continue to congregate many people, we have the feeling that we are a small minority and backing down.
This is why the arrival of Christmas which we are preparing with advent invites us to beat this defeatist attitude and throw ourselves into the mission, communicating with those around us who lend deaf ears to the good news of the love of God. Many shrug their shoulders, others will laugh at us and will say how is it possible to still believe in those things from the XII century. But there will also be those who await the message and thanks to the fact that we preach it they receive it and adhere to it. We mustn’t forget that each individual has his moment even those who the minute before were laughing, making fun, may be receptive because pain has passed through their lives and has purified.
Them, preach always. Preach even in the desert. But above all and before all in that place where the responsibility is greatest, in one’s own family.
Intention: In conversations bring out the subject of Christmas and make it be seen what is being celebrated: the birth of Christ, the love of God, and not the holiday of consumption. Pray don’t re preaching, the love of God, and not the holiday of consumption.