Make Straight the Way of the Lord

Gospel Reflection for January 2, 2023

John the Baptist was called by God to prepare the way of the Lord and to make straight His path. As such, he proclaimed to all with passion and zeal, “repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand!” (Matthew 3:2 NABRE)

John did not hesitate to tell people their sins, or to confront even the most powerful people. With faith in God, he fearlessly called everyone to repentance.

Priests and Levites were sent to ask John, “‘Who are you, so we can give an answer to those who sent us? What do you have to say for yourself?’ He said:

“I am ‘the voice of one crying out in the desert,

“Make straight the way of the Lord,”’

as Isaiah the prophet said.” Some Pharisees were also sent. They asked him, ‘Why then do you baptize if you are not the Messiah or Elijah or the Prophet?’ John answered them, ‘I baptize with water; but there is one among you whom you do not recognize, the one who is coming after me, whose sandal strap I am not worthy to untie.’” (John 1:22-27)

Have you made straight the way of the Lord in your own life? Do you strive to remove sin and vice from your life, and to cultivate virtue? Like John, do you evangelize to others through example and by proclaiming Jesus’ coming?

Many people thought that John the Baptist was possibly the Messiah or the Prophet, and did not even recognize Jesus in their midst. Do you recognize the presence of the Lord in your life?

Let us firmly resolve to change our sinful ways this new year and to prepare ourselves for the Lord.