“God is leading Israel in joy by the light of His glory, with His mercy and justice for company.” (Baruch 5:9)
Reflections on the readings for the Second Sunday of Advent (December 5, 2021): BAR 5:1-9; PS 126:1-2,2-3,4-5,6; PHIL 1:4-6,8-11; LK 3:1-6
MISSIO offers “Mission In Scripture” to nurture a missionary heart, providing reflections on the missionary themes in the readings of Sundays, Feast Days and Holy Days.
Doing what is good, right, and just will open the gate of heaven for us through the death of Jesus. But we will first experience our own share...
In the today’s liturgy, we hear from three prophets: Baruch, Isaiah, and John the Baptist. Baruch expressed hope and joy instead of grief and mourning on behalf of those who experience the end of years of captivity and the chance to return to Jerusalem. John the Baptist was chosen by God to build the bridge between the past and the present, between the Old Testament and the New. And it is in reference to John that we hear what Isaiah said preparing the way for the coming of Jesus Christ: “Every valley shall be filled and every mountain and hill shall be made low. The winding roads shall be made straight, and the rough ways made smooth” (Luke 3:5). It is with the arrival of Jesus, Son of God and Son of Mary, that the promise of the Almighty to His people is fulfilled. The sin and suffering that entered the world through the disobedience of Adam and Eve would be wiped out. However, it would take the sacrifice and suffering of Christ to accomplish this.
The second reading comes from St. Paul’s letter to the Philippians, people he loved and served in preaching the Good News. He wants them to know he is pleased with their faith and good works. He wants to encourage them to keep following our Redeemer. “And this is my prayer: that your love may increase ever more and more in knowledge and every kind of perception, to discern what is of value, so that you may be pure and blameless for the day of Christ, filled with the fruit of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ for the glory and praise of God” (Philippians 1:9-11). Paul wrote this letter from prison. He knew, just as the prophets did, that Christ’s victory is real, but that strife and trouble remain until He returns. Doing what is good, right, and just will open the gate of heaven for us through the death of Jesus. But we will first experience our own share in that suffering on earth. This Advent season, let us in rejoice in both Christ’s cross and His coming.
Suggested missionary action: As we continue through Advent, we can make an extra effort each day to read a chapter of Scriptures, offer another prayer, perform an act of charity. And let us focus on our relationship with Christ and whatever He asks of us.