On this second Sunday of Advent, let’s recall that last Sunday Jesus cautioned us to remain prepared and “watchful” for His arrival. In today’s Gospel, we learn more clearly what we must do to prepare our hearts and our lives. We hear from the prophet Isaiah, “Prepare the way of the Lord, make straight his paths.” Then we hear a lengthy exhortation from John the Baptist who proclaims we must prepare ourselves through a “baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins.” John, a prophet himself, is the fulfillment of a long preparation throughout Old Testament history. He pronounces that One mightier than he is coming Whose sandals he is not worthy to tie. John is speaking of the arrival of Jesus, the Messiah, the Son of God. John concludes his prophecy by telling us that while he baptizes with water, Jesus will baptize with the Holy Spirit. So how do we apply these readings to our journey through this season of Advent? John tells us to prepare the way of the Lord and make straight His paths. We can do this by imitating the early Christians who were said to belong to “the Way.” The “Way” of the Lord is discipleship. Discipleship requires repentance. John tells us that he baptizes with water, but that Jesus will baptize with the Holy Spirit. Repentance calls us to reorient ourselves to God. We must ask God to come into our hearts. The baptism by Jesus completes the final step of repentance. Jesus’ baptism is a baptism of fire, the fire of the Holy Spirit. It is a baptism of salvation. As infants we were given this gift of salvation in Baptism. But now, we must freely make the decision to choose the path of discipleship if we want to be ready to welcome Jesus at Christmas. Choose to receive the gift of the sacraments of Reconciliation and the Eucharist to draw closer to the “straight path”. Accept the daily opportunities to do the many “small things done with great love” that draw us closer to one another. Let the very way we live our life proclaim the Good News to others that Jesus is our true Lord and His kingdom on earth has come.