Second Sunday of Advent – Year C
Sunday, December 8, 2024
The Old Testament Reading for today is taken from the Book of Baruch, the only time during the three-year cycle of Sunday Liturgy that a selection from the Book of Baruch is used. Baruch, a disciple and scribe of the prophet Jeremiah, lived in the 7th and early 6th centuries B.C. during the Babylonian seizure of Jerusalem, leading to the Temple’s destruction and the Jewish people’s exile. And our Gospel introduces us to John the Baptist. As the precursor of Jesus, his mission was to call people to repentance and to prepare their hearts for His arrival. John testified to Jesus, “Behold, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world.” —John 1:29. He baptized Jesus in the Jordan River, marking the start of Christ’s ministry. Of John, Jesus said, “Amen, I say to you, among those born of women there has been none greater than John the Baptist; yet the least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than he.” —Matthew 11:11. This second part encapsulates the transition from the Old Covenant, represented by the prophets and John the Baptist, to the New Covenant, brought on by Christ. While John is revered as the greatest prophet, the least in the kingdom of heaven is elevated because they participate in the new life and grace offered through Jesus.
In today’s Gospel, “A voice of one crying out in the desert: ‘Prepare the way of the Lord, make straight his paths. Every valley shall be filled and every mountain and hill shall be made low.” —Luke 3:4-5. The desert is a powerful metaphor for spiritual barrenness. It vividly illustrates the profound sense of desolation that can exist within our hearts when we stray from God. This imagery underscores the urgent and pressing need for spiritual renewal and conversion. In this context, we are called to prepare ourselves for the coming of the Lord—a divine invitation that is both profound and transformative. This preparation is not merely superficial; it requires a deep and sincere commitment to changing our hearts and embracing a life rooted in righteousness. This transformation is essential, allowing us to align our lives more closely with God’s will, fostering a deeper connection with Him.
However, this journey towards renewal is not without its challenges. We must actively confront and remove various obstacles that stand in our way, such as sin, pride, and complacency. Sin can cloud our judgment and create barriers between us and God, while pride might lead us to trust in our abilities rather than seek divine guidance. Complacency can dull our spiritual senses, leaving us unaware of the need for growth and change.
We’ve heard the call to prepare for the coming of the Lord. Let us promptly respond by removing the barriers that separate us from a vibrant, life-giving relationship with Him. In doing so, we find renewal for ourselves and become instruments of hope and healing in the world around us. Embrace this opportunity for growth and change, for it is through the wilderness that we often discover the most profound paths to holiness.
Go in Peace to Love and Serve the Lord.