The readings for the Second Sunday of Advent invite each of us to prepare the way of the Lord. Today’s Gospel tells of John the Baptist, the prophet who prepared the way of the Lord by embracing a life of great simplicity; by crying out from the wilderness the call to conversion, and by proclaiming a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins.

Advent has arrived on the heels of Thanksgiving, a day where we stop, pause and bring to mind all the gifts we have been given, and give thanks to God. But to be able to recall the blessings in our lives requires attentiveness throughout the year if our thanks are to be meaningful.