I grew up in the Sonoran Desert and as a child, I accompanied my grandparents on a few cross-country summer road trips. I can see myself in the back seat, staring down the sun with squinted eyes, thinking about how it was such a waste of time to have to drive around the vast mountain ranges, and cursing the Southwestern heat. One day, I assured myself, we would get to the states with green trees, cloudy skies, humidity, and all my favorite nature scents.
“I am the voice of the one crying out in the desert, ‘Make straight the way of the Lord’” (John 1:23).
When I read Saint John’s words from today’s Gospel, I am awestruck that this is how he identifies, as the one willing to be inconvenienced in preparing the way of the Lord. When I reflect on the task John sets before us as Christians, visualizing myself in the desert, I do not see an easy way. I find myself uncertain in the midst of the valley, squinting under the heat of the sun, realizing I am surrounded by an untraveled mountain range.
Discouragement tells me that the terrain cannot be smoothed and that the winding path cannot be straightened, but He tells me He has hope for me.
Doubt tells me I must be alone, but I know that cannot be true, for He is with me.
Disappointment tells me that obedience is not worthwhile, but I respond with praise, and proclaim that I, too, choose to be the voice of the one crying out in the desert.
Sister, what is the mountain in front of you that you believe cannot be leveled? What is the path you believe cannot be straightened? What terrain feels impossible to travel?
Ask Jesus to join you there today.
Do you need to get back to the Sacraments in this new year? Make a plan to go to Confession and ask a friend to go with.
Sarah Elizabeth is a graduate student studying International Security. She earned her Bachelor’s in Politics from The Catholic University of America, and now resides in the Washington, DC area with her cat, Regina. Originally from Arizona, Sarah treasures iced oat milk lattes, mountain views, and Saint John Henry Newman.
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