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Advent and the One

Prepare the way of the Lord, make straight his paths. (Mark 1:3)

Jesus, the Good Shepherd, is searching for you, the one, with relentless love. Though you may be a long way off, He desires that you meet Him half way in the Sacrament of Reconciliation that He would carry you on His shoulders to our good, good Father who is waiting for you with open arms to celebrate your return to the fullness of grace in the one, holy, catholic and apostolic Church.

The Way

In Advent or any season of our journey to eternal life, the way to make straight the paths of the Lord to our heart as a baptized Catholic is through repentance, sacramental Confession, and forgiveness.

With a humble and contrite heart, we must turn away from sin and turn back to His Divine Mercy via the narrow road.

As we are forgiven we must also forgive.

We can’t say we’ve made straight His paths and prepared a place for the Lord in the stable of our heart where we continue to harbor unforgiveness. That’s the same as placing the manger on top of a dung heap.

The Straight Path

Thorns and snares are many on the path of the crooked (Proverbs 22:5). The devil sets many traps and stumbling blocks on the wide road of lustful self-indulgence, pride, unforgiveness, rash judgement, gossip, detraction, and lukewarmness – just to mention a few.

Hear, my son, and receive my words, and the years of your life shall be many. On the way of wisdom I direct you, I lead you on straight paths. When you walk, your step will not be impeded, and should you run, you will not stumble. (Proverbs 4:10-12)

Be the One

I tell you that in the same way there will be more rejoicing in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous persons who do not need to repent. (Luke 15:7)

Hear the voice of the Shepherd calling out your name in the wilderness. Run to Him. Leap into His merciful arms and be the joy and consolation of his Most Sacred Heart.

Be the singular cause of rejoicing in all of heaven.

In this there is no shame. In this there is only life to the full. (John 10:10)

In this – your return to grace through the Sacrament of Reconciliation – is the way to make your heart a most worthy manger for the newborn King of Kings.

In this is your gift to Jesus.

Originally published December 19, 2022

© 2022 Brian Kravec
Brian is a cradle Catholic, husband and father. He’s a writer, speaker, and the Co-Founder and Executive Director of Possibility Productions, a 501(c)(3) faith event evangelization apostolate in service of the Body of Christ.

 

4 Responses

  1. Dear Brian – fellow blogger – beautiful “concise” and to the point blog about the RIGHT PATH. . .
    how beautifully written. . .you are inspiring me to write. . in a “short and precise” way. . .to aim that arrow!!!!
    God Bless You, Anita

    1. God bless you, Anita! Our humble and contrite hearts are indeed a beautiful gift to Jesus! Christmas blessings!

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