Voice

 

The Spiritual Waiting Room

Voice

In Wilderness

Foretold   Coming Of   Messiah

Kingdom Of Heaven Is Near

Repent

(Photo and poem by Kathy McNamara)

Scripture:   Matthew 3: 1 to 3

John the Baptist was in the desert preaching. 

He said, "Repent. The Kingdom of God is here!"

It was of him that the prophet Isaiah spoke: "A voice of one crying out in the desert. Prepare the way of the Lord. Make His paths straight."

Reflection

What are some of the voices that you have been listening to lately?

There are voices that can lift us up, and there are voices that can tear us down. We enjoy the praise and can be upset with the criticism. We learn over time that the criticism can sometimes help us even more than the praise.

To really listen to the voice of God, which is the only voice that really matters for us, it can be helpful for us to go into the wilderness. We can use the silence and the peace. Our lives can be filled with too many distractions. It's easy to lose focus.

God's Word can help us. The prophets from the Hebrew Scriptures give us many clues about the messiah and the pursuit of justice. If we take time to see what they have foretold, some of those confusing voices can give way to clarity. The prophets give us insight into God's plan for us.

We learn that God will send a Messiah who will help us to embrace God's Love more fully. The Messiah will teach us more about God. Our issue is: will we listen to that voice?

When we do listen, we learn that the Kingdom of God is near. All we have to do is repent of our selfishness and indifference. 

Isaiah speaks about our need to prepare if we are going to embrace the Kingdom of God and live a life in harmony with God's teachings and in service to our sisters and brothers. 

When we do prepare, get ready, and listen to the voice of God, the path is made straight. All those distractions diminish. We see our goal. We are led to the Messiah. 

Enjoy the voice!

1. How have you found the voice of God?

2. Can you think of a time when criticism has helped you?

3. How do you go into the wilderness?

4. What are some ways that you find helpful in preparing to embrace the Kingdom of God?

5. What do you feel as you contemplate Kathy's photo? 

(Scripture adaptation, reflection, and questions by John J. McNamara)