Cycle A - Year II:  

8 December 2013: 2nd Sunday of Advent

 (Liturgical color: Violet)

Matthew 3:1-12

"Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand!"

"A man with a mission," that's how we would describe someone with so much passion or zest for something.

On the second Sunday of Advent we meet such a man in the person of John the Baptist. His whole life was fueled by one burning passion, which is to point others to Jesus Christ and the coming of his kingdom.

But who is John the Baptist and what is the significance of his message for our lives today?

John the Baptist was the last of the prophets who was sent by God with a special mission: to prepare the way for the Savior. He makes the way ready for the coming of the Messiah, God's anointed Son, our Lord Jesus Christ. John announced the coming of the Lamb of God who takes away the sins of the world. Thus, the role of John the Baptist in our salvation history was very important because it was he who opened the way for Christ to start his public ministry. 

The evangelist Matthew wrote in today's Gospel:"John the Baptist appeared preaching in the desert of Judea saying, 'Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand!'" (Mt. 3:1-2) He is the voice in the wilderness calling all to prepare the way of the Lord by baptizing his followers in the river Jordan as they acknowledged their sins. John gives testimony to the light and truth of Jesus Christ: "...the one who is coming after me is mightier than I. I am not worthy to carry his sandals. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire." (Mt 3: 11)

Like John the Baptist, we too are called to give testimony to the light and truth of Jesus Christ. But first we need to prepare ourselves for his coming through conversion and repentance of our sins, so that we can point others to Christ in the way we live, work and speak.

Repentance is like a door that opens to allow God's visit to our soul. It is said that God's throne is in the highest heaven, surrounded by majesty, glory and splendor. But God's dwelling place on earth is found in a humble and contrite heart that repents sincerely. Conversion is a continuous process, which starts with a decision to come into a personal and intimate relationship with the Lord.

The Church teaches that everyone who is baptized is a "man of mission", and our mission is to proclaim the Good News of the kingdom of heaven through our faith, examples and words. In other words, our mission is to prepare the way for Christ's coming, on his birthday on Christmas day, his coming in our lives  through the Sacrament of the Holy Eucharist, and his final coming at the end of times.

In our preparation for the Advent Season let us pray: Lord let your light burn brightly in my heart that I may know the joy and freedom of your kingdom. Fill me up with your Holy Spirit and empower me to witness the truth of your Gospel so that by words and example I can point others to Jesus Christ in my home, workplace and wherever I may be. Amen.

A blessed Sunday to us all. And thank you for a moment with God.

Ad Jesum per Mariam!