In today's Gospel we hear about all the big name political players at Jesus' time: The Emperor, the kings, the high priests of the temple, and other rulers. One expects that the coming Savior would be born and proclaimed from among them. Instead the reading, as the convention in the Gospels, is to turn everything upside down. From the lonely desert a prophet to the people from the Lord God comes quoting Isiah, "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 the flesh shall see the salvation of God."
John is preparing us for the coming of the Savior. Those who are elevated will be humbled, difficulties will cease when one realizes the straight path, the Way to the Kingdom. All will come before the Lord in judgement and be witness to the salvation of the world. Do we hear the prophet's words? Are we preparing for the coming of the Lord? How do we help others in our families and communities prepare as well?
