And how roads were essentially the pathway of Caesar's "glory" -- the wealth of empire, the army traveling, the rich and nobles and governors moving to newly colonized places.
Can't you hear a Roman overseer shouting at the slaves? "Work harder! Press on! Build this road for Caesar! Move every obstacle!"
This road brings the healing of the nations, the long-expected Immanuel, God-with-Us, the lion and the lamb!
You can hear the subtext: "What should we do because we are complicit? How can we be on the road of salvus (healing)?" Because really. Who wants to be a Roman tax collector or soldier?
To the tax collectors: "Collect no more than the amount prescribed for you."
Guess what? He's telling them to quit their jobs because you CAN'T be a Roman tax collector and do this. Skimming was the whole system.
Well, the actual job of Roman soldiers was to threaten and accuse falsely in order to enrich Caesar's power and wealth.
And no soldier ever thinks he or she is paid enough.
And it isn't just a road in your heart.
It is a real road.
The road of liberation.
Through this world. Freely embrace this task to free the nations. To prepare the way for God's love and justice.
Fill the ravines, bring down the mountains, untangle what is twisted, smooth what is rough.
Don't spiritualize it. Honor the prophets. Make it real in the world. Today.
A blessed second Sunday of #Advent to you.