PREPARE THE WAY OF THE LORD
First Reading: Baruch 5: 1 to 9
Second Reading: Philippians 1: 4 to 6 and 8 to 11
Gospel Reading: Luke 3: 1 to 6
Advent: Adventus in Latin means arrival or coming. Advent indicates the threefold coming of the Lord Jesus: The past, the present and the future. 1. The past: We remember the Lord's humble first coming which took place more than 2000 years ago at Bethlehem. 2. The present: We experience His present and continual coming through the Word of God and through the Sacraments. 3. The future: We look forward to the final coming of the Lord in His glory at the end of times.
*First reading is from the book of Prophet Baruch. Baruch gives a message of hope and gladness for the people of Israel who are under the slavery of Babylon. He assures them that they will return to Jerusalem in glory. Every mountain and hill will be leveled and the valleys will be filled up for their return to the promised land.
*Second reading is from the letter of St. Paul to Philippians. Paul instructs the Christian community there that God has created us for something good and very special. He assures them that God's work in us will be completed. He urges them and us to abound in love and lead a pure and blameless life for the second coming of the Lord. He encourages them and us that they/we should not worry about the future because God will be with them/us.
The call to repentance by John the Baptist Today's Gospel reading is from St. Luke. John the Baptist's invitation to prepare the way of the Lord is narrated in detail. John urges us to prepare the way of the Lord by giving our lives a new orientation - a complete turnabout. The repentance that is asked of us is not merely a turning away from sin but rather a change of heart. Hence, to repent would mean that we recognize our brokenness and our need for redemption by turning to the love of God. Humankind in general is broken, fragmented, damaged and wounded by sin. Hence, we need to recognize this situation to be saved. John proclaims that Jesus is the one who fulfills the prophecy of Isaiah, that all humankind will see the salvation of God. In order to prepare for His coming, John invites everyone to prepare the way of the Lord by making His paths straight: All that prevents us from His smooth coming have to be done away with - valleys shall be filled, mountains and hills shall be leveled and crooked ways have to be made straight. In this context Pope Benedict XVI says: "The voice of the great Prophet asks us to prepare the way for the coming of the Lord in the deserts of today, internal and external deserts, thirsting for the water of life which is Christ." Edward Heys adds: "Advent is the perfect time to clean and prepare the way." And D. Bonhoeffer, a great theologian, says: "Our whole life is Advent. A time of waiting for the ultimate."
Finally, Advent prayer: "Jesus truly is the only one worthy of our focus as we slowdown the maddening rush around our lives, reflecting on the gift of hope, joy and peace that He continually offers us. For He is the one who brings true meaning to Christmas. May He fill afresh with His hope this Advent season, as we press in close to His presence, seeking to know Him more."
May the call of John the Baptist echo in your hearts during this holy season of Advent and help you to prepare the way of the Lord. Amen.
(Kindly note: Sunday Reflections with Fr. Joy Joseph is available on YouTube. Please view, like, share and subscribe to the video version on YouTube. "YouTube/Sunday Reflections with Fr. Joy Joseph, December 8, 2024." Thanks.)
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