This week at a Cub Scout meeting, the young boys were learning how to tie different kinds of knots. There were a couple of boys who just did not want any instruction on how to do it correctly – they were convinced they were doing it right and had no need for help. It took a lot for the leaders to convince them that in order to achieve the advancement, they needed to do it correctly and take instruction. Reluctantly they finally gave over their control and learned how to make the square knot. As I observed them, I recognized so many of their feelings that are so familiar to all of us: the fear of not getting something on our own and just how difficult (at all ages) humility is.
Advent is a good time to get in touch with humility and learning to let go of the things that are not advancing us in the Kingdom of God. This weekend and next weekend, we have a Biblical figure who, par excellence, shows us what true humility is for the sake of the Gospel: John the Baptist. He is always a prime Advent figure urging us to prepare the way of the Lord. Luke begins introducing the adult John the Baptist in this passage by situating him in the midst of history. Luke names all the powers that be at that time and, as we know, these are the same powers who will eventually oppose Jesus and his message. In the midst of all these powerful figures, we have here a lowly man in the desert – yet it is to him that the word of God comes so convincingly that he proclaims to all the saving power of God.
What Luke gives us in the Gospel reading is a passage from Isaiah, chapter 40, that John the Baptist is fulfilling:
“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.”
What is amazing about this time of year and these readings is how intentional God was, is, and will be in making the path of salvation accessible for all. But we will not be able to take this clear path to God if we are so convinced that we are doing it correctly our own way. We need to have the humility to listen and be instructed. We need to have the courage to see that another way might be better, or we might miss the path that has been made straight and the rough ways that have been made smooth. We need to make sure we are not missing the word of God coming to us in those unexpected people, places and ways.