The Theological Movement of Liberation gained prominence since the 1960’s. It originated in Latin America and spread throughout the world especially in developing countries. Liberation Theology holds that Christ came to free people from sin and from all types of oppressions. According to eastern understanding, Liberation is “the state of complete personal freedom from suffering and its causes”. The call of liberation is much older than 1960. Its roots are in today’s readings. Both the first reading from Baruch and Luke’s gospel, advocate liberation for all people.
Baruch wants comfort for all – “put off your garment of mourning and unhappiness”. This is the prophet’s proclamation of a new Era of freedom. John the Baptizer wants preparations – “Prepare the way of the Lord”. Our preparation will assist our liberation.
Liberation does not reach us by itself. Both the voices of the Old and the New Testament tell us to “prepare the way to the Lord”. We are asked to “make straight his path”. Valleys are to be filled and mountains made low. The Lord wants us to be free and liberated. This is possible only when we prepare ourselves, when we prepare a path into our hearts and out to the world.
To prepare a straight and level road between Israel and Babylon was next to impossible. The terrain was full of mountains. John’s baptism and his preaching of conversion remind us that there are mountains and valleys also within us. We have become the slaves of our own passions and selfishness. We are required to build roads of trust, love, and cooperation in order to make a way for the Lord. The Advent Season bids us to make such healing roadways, a venture that will bring liberation.
–Father Ranjan D’Sa OCD