In those days John the Baptist appeared in the wilderness of Judea, proclaiming, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven has come near.” This is the one of whom the prophet Isaiah spoke when he said, “The voice of one crying out in the wilderness: ‘Prepare the way of the Lord, make his paths straight.’“

Repentance is turning away from sin in preparation for the coming of God into our lives and into the world. It is an essential condition before God can enter deeply into us: “make straight his paths” indicates this. It is possible, through sin, noise, discord and dispersiveness, to make God’s entry into our lives very difficult. This is the freedom we have; this also is the power of original sin. Even if it were not an essential condition, who would want to welcome a most cherished, honorable, noble house guest into a home which has not been cleaned?

Notice the voice is crying out in the wilderness. Even in his invitation to repentance God does not shout. It is only in the desert of our consciences that we hear the gentle whisperings of an invitation to repent so as to receive God.

This mystery of the faith is demonstrated beautifully in the passage of the Samaritan woman at the well (John 4.7-30). Jesus invites the woman to drink of God: “if you knew God’s gift you would have asked him and he would have given you living water.” The woman then asks, not really knowing what she is asking for. But Jesus makes her aware that she is living in a state of sin. Repent and receive. Take off your sandals, you are standing on holy ground.

We see this also in the passage: “come to me and I will refresh you.” But we must obey his commands as the rest of the passage says: “take my yoke upon you; my burden is light.” And also: “if anyone hears me knocking and opens the door I will come in and sup with him and he with me.” Hearing the knock is hearing the voice in the wilderness calling out. Opening the door is repenting and making God’s paths into our life straight. And we have God’s own promise that he will enter in. So repent! God wants you to fight sin so as to receive him.