Repent And be Converted.

HOMILY FOR 2ND SUNDAY OF ADVENT YEAR (A)

R1: Isaiah 11:1-10

R/Psalm 72:1-2;7-8;12-13;17 (Resp. cf. v. 7)

R2: Rom 15 : 4-9

Gospel: Matthew 3:1-12

Theme: Repent and be converted.

On this second Sunday of Advent in the Liturgical Year (A), our attention is being directed to the second theme of the season “Peace”; the virtue that has eluded many minds and hearts in our society. Also the lighting of the second candle (purple) – the Bethlehem candle which represents peace calls to mind the journey of Our Mother Mary and Joseph to Bethlehem.

From the table of the Word, Prophet Isaiah in the first reading (Isaiah 11) prophesied the coming of the Messiah with the Spirit ofr Wisdom and understanding, whose reign will bring about peace and justice.

The second reading presents St. Paul in his epistle to the Roman Church which reechoed once again the virtue of peace. Here he reiterates with a prayer that God of steadfastness and encouragement may grant us the grace to live in harmony with one another (cf. Rom 15:4-9).

Meanwhile the gospel pericope according to the Evangelist Matthew invites us to repentance and conversion through the preaching of John the Baptist - the desert prophet (cf. Matthew 3:1-12).

Thus the season of Advent offers us the opportunity to review our life and conduct and make necessary amendments in order to prepare ourselves for Our Lord’s coming. And for us to receive the new born king – the King of Peace we ought to be at peace with one another. The Messianic prophecy and the divine promise of God in the readings of today set us ahead of this season of preparation. As the Scripture says: “The baby shall by the cobra’s den, and the child lay his hand on the adder’s lair...” (Isaiah 11:8). What a beautiful scenario with a lesson for humanity. Why then do we envy others? Why do we castigate one another or bear grudges?

We need repentance and conversion so as to create room for the new born King.

However, God does not wish to impose Himself on us. He wants us to freely accept His Son, that is why through the Church He affords us this moment to discern and choose our path on earth whether to live for God or not.

It was in the light of this, that God sent His prophets to redirect humanity towards the true path that leads to salvation. As John the Baptist called for repentance and conversion to authentic Christian life.

Finally, as we continue to reflect within this moment of joyful waiting for the commemoration of the coming of the Word incarnate and the great Parousia (the second coming), let us not be carried away with worries and troubles of this life. Let us make sincere effort to be at peace with one another and live out the gospel.  Peace be with you!

  By Fr. PiusRalph EFFIONG, SMMM