Baruch 5:1-9
Luke 3:1-6
I originally started this reflection by focusing on the very familiar Gospel for today of John the Baptist preaching in the wilderness. As I looked at the readings again the imagery from Baruch in our first reading struck me very forcibly. In powerful poetry Baruch prophesies the glorious reversal of Judah’s fortunes:
“Jerusalem take off your dress of sorrow and distress, put on the beauty glory of the Lord for ever, wrap the cloak of integrity around you, put the diadem of the glory of the Eternal on your head: since God means to show your splendor to every nation under heaven, since the name God gives you forever will be, ‘Peace through integrity, and honour through devotedness.’ ”
I have always loved dressing up and in my life before the monastery few things could equal the joy of finding the perfect dress, shoes or skirt. What I wore could really transform my mood. I relate very easily to the beautiful imagery of the cloak of integrity and the diadem of glory. It strikes me that these garments can be the outward sign of an inner transformation. God wants Jerusalem to be recognizably different. The exuberant imagery continues as Baruch prophesies Judah’s triumphal return. They left for Exile on foot, but on their return, they will be carried. They will make their way through a landscape that God has transformed.
Similar themes are found in today’s Gospel. Luke sets the historical scene for his hearers: someone of great significance is about to appear on the world stage. John the Baptist heralds this event and stands in an impressive line of prophets who were so consumed by God’s Word that nothing could keep them from proclaiming it.
The very physical imagery of moving earth and radically altering the landscape of the wilderness can easily lose its impact. In quoting Isaiah Luke will have stirred in his hearers the foundational story of the journey through the wilderness to the Promised Land. Isaiah imagines a new Exodus, a triumphal return from the pain and displacement of Exile to Jerusalem, city of peace and promise.
‘A voice cries in the wilderness:
Prepare a way for the Lord,
make his paths straight.
Every valley will be filled in,
every mountain and hill be laid low,
winding ways will be straightened
and rough roads made smooth.’
John the Baptist calls us today in 2021 to a new Exodus. He calls us to repent and to put our full hope in God’s promises. Every hardness of heart that has weighed us down through the year is now laid bare. We have the chance to begin again and make space for Christ. How we go about this inner landscaping is up to us. There’s no ‘one size fits all’ when it comes to preparing for Christ. How will you prepare?