From the responsorial psalm: "Although they go forth weeping, carrying the seed to be sown, They shall come back rejoicing, carrying their sheaves. The Lord has done great things for us; we are filled with joy."

A reading from the holy Gospel according to Luke (Lk 3:1-6)

John went throughout the whole region of the Jordan, proclaiming a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins, as it is written in the book of the words of the prophet Isaiah:
    A voice of one crying out in the desert:
    “Prepare the way of the Lord,
        make straight his paths.
    Every valley shall be filled
        and every mountain and hill shall be made low.
    The winding roads shall be made straight,
        and the rough ways made smooth,
    and all flesh shall see the salvation of God.”

Luke couches the appearance of John the Baptist within a historical context. Before Jesus entered human history, John's ministry was that of repentance and forgiveness of sins to prepare the way of the Lord. Within that context, the word of God came to John the son of Zechariah. In that coming, God breaks into human history through the voice of the greatest of prophets who sets the stage so that "all flesh shall see the salvation of God."

God, help me understand today's readings for the second Sunday of Advent. Help me hear the prayer of Saint Paul as he writes in his letter what he desires for all who hear the voice of Christ: "that your love may increase ever more and more in knowledge and every kind of perception, to discern what is of value." Right here and right now, Lord, in the context of a specific time and place, your word comes to me. The winding road of the present day lies before me. With your grace, work through me to make straight a path and prepare for your coming.

Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, as it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.