As we begin this second week of the Advent season we hear from St. John the Baptist
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 “Preaching Mission,” as a homily help, providing connections to mission from the readings of Sundays, Feast Days and Holy Days.
Our Lord would be revealed after His death and resurrection as the Son of God. Let us, too, use this Advent season to pay attention to His message, miracles, and mercy.
The Gospel reading according to Luke that we hear today speaks of the transition from the Old Testament to the New Testament through John the Baptist. He takes his place as the prophet of God who reaches out to let those awaiting the Messiah know that the time has come. “John went throughout the whole region of the Jordan, proclaiming a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins, as it is written in the book of the words of the prophet Isaiah: A voice of one crying out in the desert: ‘Prepare the way of the Lord, make straight his paths. … And all flesh shall see the salvation of God’” (Luke 3:3-4). Some heed the call of this singular man whose life from his mother’s womb has been dedicated to serving Almighty God. Some merely shrug off his message. But others fear John who is brave, sincere, and honest in trying to turn people away from sin and toward the will of God. We hear the names of powerful leaders like Pontius Pilate, Herod, Annas and Caiaphas. These men are among those who will, all too soon, use their power to interfere with John the Baptist and, finally, with Jesus Christ.
John will be arrested and killed for telling the truth. And so will Jesus. However, many people who repented of their sins through the preaching of John and went on to join others who followed Jesus would have their lives changed forever. Our Lord would be revealed after His death and resurrection as the Son of God. Let us, too, use this Advent season to pay attention to His message, miracles, and mercy. Even as we start preparing our homes for the holidays, we need to recognize that the ultimate gift of Christmas is truly Easter – with its promise of eternity to all who say “Yes!” to our beloved Savior. We can heartily say today’s Psalm 126: “The Lord has done great things for us; we are glad indeed.”
