One of the most important ways to prepare for the coming of Jesus Christ into our lives in a life-changing way is to go to confession on a regular basis. A good general rule is once per month. I schedule many more opportunities than usual during Advent season for confessions so that we can have a more meaningful celebration of Christmas (Christ-Mass). We open ourselves up all the more to receive the Gift of Joy when we have a right relationship with God by responding to John the Baptist’s proclamation of repentance for the forgiveness of sins. Like St. Paul in today’s second reading (Phil 1: 4-6, 8- 11), I am confident “...that the one who began a good work in you will continue to complete it until the day of Christ Jesus” provided that you never give up on God’s mercy for you. As it says in the Gospel Acclamation for today (Luke 3:4, 6), “Prepare the way of the Lord, make straight his paths: all flesh shall see the salvation of God.”
