Second Sunday of Advent Year C
Readings: Baruch 5:1-9; Philippians 1:3-6,8-11; Luke 3:1-3
Preparing the way, flattening the mountains, filling the
valleys, a radical change of heart. All three readings this Sunday focus on
preparing the way of the Lord in terms of a radical change of heart. The first
reading from the prophet Baruch speaks about all the elect of God assembled in
jubilation because God has remembered them. The prophet further calls on God’s
people to a preparation that involves a radical change of heart – flattening
the mountains, the hills, and filling the valleys. Paul in the second reading
urges us to be pure and blameless for the day of Christ. The Gospel reading is much
more direct in urging us to "prepare the way of the Lord". These
words quoted by Luke from Isaiah are associated with John the Baptist, who summons his listeners to a Baptism of
repentance for the forgiveness of sins; a call that involves a complete change
of heart from sin to the practice of virtue. Such a radical redirection
signifies walking with God in a new way. In John's ministry, this was accompanied
by water purification, signifying a cleansing of mind and heart. St. Luke bases
John the Baptist's mission on the prophecy of Isaiah, which points to the
radical nature of repentance in preparation for the imminent coming of the
Messiah.
The Gospel of today sets the stage for a proclamation that something
spectacular that is about to take place. The opening verses give an historical
context that sounds like the introduction of the birth of Jesus. These verses lead to an
announcement. The word of God came to John the son of Zechariah in the desert.
This word of God was the proclamation of “a baptism of repentance for the
forgiveness of sins.” The central message of John is a radical change of heart,
a call to turn away from selfishness and sin. Advent challenges us to prepare
the way for Christ who is coming into our hearts as our Savior, bearing the
most precious gift God could ever give us - salvation. What message do we take
home this Sunday? 1) This Advent you and I are challenged to undergo a sincere
and radical return to basics, namely, our baptismal commitment, to walk with
God in a new way. 2) We are challenged to be today’s John the Baptist,
proclaiming a message of repentance and forgiveness. 3) Such a message could be
given by the little things we do to others: a call to someone experiencing hard
times; a stop by the hospital or life care
home; a smile
at someone or a friendly wink to a child. Such little things go long ways to
prepare our hearts for Christ when he comes.
©2012
John S. Mbinda
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