Cycle A - Year I:  

4 December 2022: Second Sunday of Advent 

(Liturgical Color: Violet)

Readings:

First Reading:        Isaiah 11:1-10

Second Reading:   Romans 15:4-9

Gospel:  Please Read  Matthew 3:1-12 

A voice crying out from the desert!

The Gospel proclamation for the second Sunday of Advent tells us about John the Baptist. But John's focus is not on himself but on the One who is to come, more powerful and greater than he is.

Let us know more about John the Baptist to understand the significance of his message for our lives today.

Holy Scriptures tell us that John the Baptist was filled with the Holy Spirit even from his mother's womb by our Lord Jesus Christ Himself. We learn about this in the Visitation, when Mary who was already pregnant with Jesus visited her cousin Elizabeth, John's mother, and John leaped in her womb as they were filled by the Holy Spirit. (Lk 1:41)

John the Baptist was the last of the prophets who was sent by God with a special mission to prepare the way of the Savior. John 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.  John's appearance completed the cycle of prophets began by Elijah. (Mt. 11:13-14)

 We read today in Matthew'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)  His 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 higher than I. I am not worthy to carry his sandals. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire." (Mt 3:11)    

We, too, are called today to give testimony to the light and truth of Jesus Christ, much like what John the Baptist did. That is why we need to prepare ourselves for the Lord's 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. That is to say, while God's throne is in the highest heaven surrounded by majesty, glory and splendor, yet God's dwelling place on earth is found in a humble and contrite heart that repents sincerely.  But conversion is a continuing 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 shares in the mission to proclaim the Good News of the kingdom of heaven through faith, our words and good examples. Let us 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.

This Sunday we are called to turn our attention also to the One who is coming after John. In this Season of Advent we focus on Jesus whom John the Baptist is preparing the way for.

 Let us pray: Lord, let Your light burn brightly in our hearts that we may know the joy and freedom of Your kingdom. Fill us with the Holy Spirit and empower us to witness the truth of Your Gospel so that by words and examples we can point others to Jesus Christ our Lord and Savior in our homes, workplace, and wherever we may be. Amen.

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

Ad Jesum per Mariam!