Hastings: Preparing the way

Rev. Celia M. Hastings
·2 min read
Celia M. Hastings
Celia M. Hastings

“Make ready the way of our God … The twisted paths will be made straight, and the rough road smooth — and all humankind will see the salvation of God.” — Matthew 3:4-6 The Inclusive Bible

While the priest Zechariah was offering incense in the sanctuary, an angel appeared with an answer to prayers of Zechariah and his wife Elizabeth for a child. The angel announced their child John’s mission, “He will go before God as a forerunner, in the spirit and power of Elijah to turn the hearts of parents to their children, and the rebellious to the wisdom of the just — to make ready a people prepared for our God.”

John’s mission is everyone’s mission. But how does one prepare the way for the reign of the Holy One in the world today? I’m watching for clues:

  • When I read of an Alaskan representative putting pragmatism over party, I see a way being prepared to move beyond bitter partisanship.

  • When I see people in flood-stricken Pakistan building sturdy new do-it-yourself homes of bamboo on stronger-than-concrete platforms of lime and mud, I see a way being prepared to house the homeless.

  • When I read of a sustainable community in Israel which does not depend upon the Palestinian or Israeli government, I see a way being prepared to live in peace and prosperity in the midst of conflict.

  • When I read of pastors leaving religious hierarchies to gather outcast people in circles of worship and supportive community, I see a way being prepared for the inclusion of everyone in neighbor love.

  • When I see people using science and technology for new food sources, new energy sources, new ways to protect the environment and new cures for diseases, I see ways being prepared for beloved community throughout the world.

Look around and within, for somewhere nearby the way is being prepared for the reign of the Holy One with peace and justice in the midst of a chaotic world.

The Rev. Celia M. Hastings has a master's degree in religious education from Western Theological Seminary in Holland. She is author of “The Wisdom Series” and “The Undertaker’s Wife.”

This article originally appeared on The Petoskey News-Review: Hastings: Preparing the way