Second Sunday of Advent: A: December 7, 2025

 ADVENT PREPARATIONS : A CALL TO REPENTANCE 

Introduction: We are in the second week of  Advent. In the coming  weeks we are encouraged to prepare intensively for the coming of Lord Jesus. In the first reading, prophet Isaiah speaks about the future messianic kingdom and the qualities of the Messiah. He says that the Messiah will be an ideal king who will bring justice and peace to the world. In the second reading, St. Paul says that Jesus is the hope of all humans. In the Gospel, we have John the Baptist inviting everyone to prepare for the way of the Lord. He invites us to have a change of heart and to reform our sinful ways. 

First Reading: Isaiah 11: 1 to 10

Second Reading: Romans 15: 4 to 9

Gospel Reading: Matthew 3: 1 to 12

   *First reading is from the book of prophet Isaiah. Isaiah says that when the Messiah comes He will be an ideal king. He will bring two great gifts to the world: The two gifts the world is in great need of - justice and peace. The signs of the messianic kingdom will be seen in nature too: The wolf dwelling with the lamb; the leopard lies down with the kid; the calf and the lion live together. There will not be anymore hurt or destruction in nature. Advent is the appropriate time to prepare for the coming of the Messiah: The king of peace and justice. 

   *Second reading is from St. Paul's letter to Romans. Paul elaborates about the importance of hope. He says that Jesus Christ is the hope of all humans. In Him we find hope, harmony and peace. Just as Jesus welcomes everyone to share the joys of His kingdom, we must welcome one another in body and mind to offer glory to God.

John the Baptist's call to repentance                                                          Today's Gospel reading is from St. Matthew. John the Baptist invites everyone to repent, for the kingdom of God is at hand. John's appearance in the wilderness is rather eccentric. He wears a garment of camel's hair with a leather belt. He eats locust and honey. John calls people from all walks of life to repent and be baptized. Hence, John's invitation for the people is to have a change of heart. John warns that those who do not have a change of heart will face punishment from God. John recalls the infidelity of Israel. He speaks of the promised Messiah who will come soon.  He will be greater than John himself and He will exercise His authority and judgement. We are invited to have a  look into the areas in which we need to change. Thus, we need to be transformed and to be touched by the forgiving love of God. John makes it amply clear that unless we accept our sins and failures and correct our wrong ways, we cannot truly prepare for the coming of the Lord. In this context E.T. Benson says: " Repentance means change and it takes a humble person to change." Thomas Carlyle,  an English writer, says: "Of all acts of man, repentance is the most divine."  Oscar Wilde says: "How else but through a broken heart may the Lord Jesus Christ enter in?"

Conclusion: During the second week of Advent, we are again and again reminded to repent and to be reconciled. Leonardo Da Vinci was a great painter and artist. His world famous painting of the Last Supper adorns the Sistine Chapel in Vatican. While working on this immortal painting of the Last Supper, Da Vinci had a heated argument with one of his colleagues. Bitter words were exchanged and threatening gestures made. When the arguments were over and things cooled down,  Da Vinci went back to his canvas, where he was working on the face of Jesus. In spite of much concentration and efforts, he could not make a single stroke. He felt as if he was paralyzed. After some time, he realized where the real trouble was. He went back to his colleague and apologized for his rude behaviour. Then he returned to his studio and calmly continued to paint the face of Jesus. During these days of Advent, we are not merely painting the face of Jesus, but rather, we are preparing ourselves and our hearts for the coming of the Lord. So we must do something in our lives too, similar to what Da Vinci did.

May the Lord Jesus bless you during this season of Advent and give you the grace to experience true repentance and God's forgiving love. 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 7, 2025." Thanks.)