Advent IV: Prepare ye the way

John the Baptist was not presumptuous, in sharp contrast to the culture of today that claims entitlement. John refused even to be considered worthy as a slave, removing the Christ's shoe's latchet. So must we learn from him to be contrite and small, for this is the true preparation for the coming of Christ: not only at Christmas, but at his glorious return, and here, in the Gospel and in the Sacrament. Sermon for Advent IV.