HOMILY FOR THE SECOND SUNDAY OF ADVENT YEAR (C)

Theme: PREPARE THE WAY OF THE LORD.

R1: Baruch 5:1-9

R/P: Psalm 125:1-6

R2: Philippians 1:4-6,8-11

Gospel: Luke 3:1-6

The season of Advent revolves around four major themes: Hope, Peace, Joy and Love. Each of these themes cuts across the four weeks of this intense preparation of receiving God the Son whom the Father out of love for man has made Him to share in our humanity.

This week which has “peace” at the centre begins with an invitation from the desert prophet John the Baptist who invites us to preparate while making reference to the prophecy of Isaiah. (cf. Matthew 3:3). As we are joyfully waiting for the coming of the Child Jesus and for His great return (the Parousia) – the two arms of Advent season, we are being admonished to make our paths straight and fill every pothole that must have been dug in our hearts. These potholes are malice, hatred, envy, lies, and every other corrupted practices.

Keeping in mind that every new wine needs a new wine skin, if not the new wine will burst the old wine skin and the wine is spilled (cf. Mark 2:22), the season of Advent is a moment of spiritual renewal, to let the past go and embrace the future with a new spirit. That is why the first reading reechoed the wish of God upon us saying: “Take off the garment of your sorrow and affliction, O Jerusalem, and put on forever the beauty of the glory of God.” (Baruch 5:1).

Here Baruch reiterates the prophecy of Isaiah, calling for a change of heart and renewal (Isaiah 52:1). As the Jews of old looked forward with hope to that day when the Messiah will come, we with all eagerness look back to that day with joy when God Divinized Humanity. What a great love has He? As Evangelist John says: “For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son that whoever believes in Him will have eternal life.” (John 3:16). That same love of His sustains us in difficult moments, it gives us comfort in distress and peace of mind beyond human telling. Let us not forget our sinfulness and short comings since the beginning of this year.

Let us ask ourselves, how much time we have given to God in sincerity? How have we used our offices and status to cheat or misguide others? These and many other similar questions should be considered as we continue to wait in joyful hope for the coming of our Lord. Peace! Be with you.

Reflection by:

Fr. PiusRalph Effiong, SMMM