Second Sunday of Advent
Commentary:
Reading 1
This selection is the entire 5th Chapter of the book of the Prophet Baruch. In it the Prophet rejoices over the restoration of Israel’s restoration as a nation after the diaspora. In Hebrew tradition, this can only be accomplished after the people have endured their punishment and returned to God’s favor.
Responsorial Psalm
R. The Lord has done great things for us; we are filled with joy.
This short psalm also rejoices following the diaspora, the conquering of Israel and its enslavement. In this hymn, the people remember the greatness of God as he restores their nation and brings the people back to their own land. ("Although they go forth weeping, carrying the seed to be sown, They shall come back rejoicing, carrying their sheaves.")
Reading II
This is part of the introduction to Paul’s Letter to the Phillippines. In it we hear Paul’s expectation that the second coming of Jesus, the Parousia will be soon - in their life-times. This creates an urgency to his encouragement that they build themselves up in faith and understanding in the key area of mutual love and compassion;("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").
Gospel
In this selection the Gospel of St. Luke introduces us to John the Baptist. John receives his call ("the word of God came to John") and responds to it going about the region calling for repentance in the face of the eminent coming of the Messiah. This fulfills the prophesy of Isaiah, who is quoted in the final paragraph of the selection.
Reflection:
As we start the second week of our Advent "make over", we are introduced to one of the principal figures in the life of Christ, John the Baptist. John, in the Gospel today receives his call to action. We know that he has known Jesus his entire life - they are cousins in the physical human sense. John first encountered Jesus before he was even borne, when he leapt for joy in Elizabeth’s womb.
Now, about the same age as the Lord, the Holy Spirit calls him to fulfill his role, to begin to wake up the world for the arrival of the Messiah. He knows that the people must be made to remember the decrees of God - there is urgency now - the Messiah is almost ready to make his appearance on the stage of world events. His passion for the call to holiness will get him in trouble later.
As we hear Johns call all these centuries later, can we feel the same urgency to complete the work we have started this season. How do we fell about people who have already gotten their Christmas shopping done by this time? Do we see them as organized and responsible people? Should we not be working hard and that interior preparation for the Lord’s return?
In previous reflections we have talked about the analogy of preparing for the arrival of a new family member. We spoke of the need to clean out the space in our hearts through forgiveness and the Sacrament of Reconciliation. We also compared the treatment of the walls to a fresh coat of prayers and the carpet to building up the foundation of our faith through reflection and discernment. We placed upon the walls images of saints to keep us constantly focused on the love of God and of others that is the exterior of our space.
With just a few short weeks to go now - we must ask ourselves, are we getting close to being ready for the arrival of that blessed event? Let’s hurry. There’s not much time left.
Pax
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