“A voice of one crying out in the desert: ‘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.” Luke 3:4-6 What joyous news is sounded in these words from St. Luke’s gospel! Indeed, the kingdom of Jesus is at hand! St. John the Baptists’ description of the Lord’s action makes clear that the Lord’s actions are thorough and complete. The Lord’s work is constant, it is never ending. The Lord’s work is energized by the workings of the Spirit. The Lord is constantly laying down the ground- work that leads us to the kingdom. The Lord calls us to actions that mirror the ones he has set before us. Our work at carrying out the task at hand is made easy, if we simply follow the path! Do you ever feel weighed down? Do you ever feel overwhelmed? What is it in my life that keeps me weighed down? Is what keeps me weighed down essential for life? If not, then maybe, I should let it go? Is there more urgent work to be done? Is the work, I do, done with good intention? Where do I find true and lasting joy? In answering these questions, where is God amidst all of this? God is calling us to prepare our hearts and minds for Christmas by doing the essential work without regret. Be aggressive in doing God’s work as we await his return in glory! Do the work with a joyful heart! Here is the music to presented at most of the Masses this weekend.