Preparing the Way for our Saviour Courageously

Second Sunday of Advent (Cycle C): December 05, 2021

Readings: Baruch 5:1–9; Psalm 126:1–6; Philippians 1:4–6, 8–11; Luke 3:1–6

To listen to my video reflections please click here

In order to celebrate any event, we prepare ourselves well. In fact, adequate preparations go into before a successful function. Holy Advent is a time for preparation with reflection, eagerness, excitement and hopefulness. The word Advent comes from the Latin adventus, which means a coming, approach, or arrival. In the Church, it refers to the period encompassing the four Sundays prior to Christmas. We see this not only how the liturgical readings are chosen from the Scriptures but also other various things that get prepared during this season in order to put us into the mood of welcoming Christ at Christmas. They are advent wreaths, nativity scenes also called cribs, Christmas trees, keeping an advent calendar, etc. If these are external things that help us to get into the mood of the Advent season, then there are many spiritual things like attending the Rorate Caeli Mass, reading the Word of God daily, spending time in prayer, doing penance, a way to turn away from sin, thus we joyfully prepare for the coming of the Saviour. Ultimately, Advent is a time to grow in our knowledge of God’s love for us in Christ and in our response to this love in our daily choices.

1. Christ comes into our midst here and now

What makes Advent so special for Christians? It is the recognition that Christmas is not just remembering “the birthday of Jesus,” but a celebration of his coming into our world today, here and now, in the midst of joys and sorrows, hopes and tribulations.   How does Jesus come into the world today? Jesus is “born”—becomes physically tangible—through the celebration of the sacraments. It is by participating in the Eucharist, washing in the waters of Baptism, being anointed with the oil of Confirmation and so on. Jesus becomes part and parcel of our life as a friend by becoming part of the living Body of Christ which is the Church in the world today. For Catholics, then, every celebration of the Eucharist and the other sacraments is like a little Christmas.

The liturgical readings which are chosen from both the Old and New Testaments are apt as they tell us how God prepared our Saviour's entry into our midst. During Advent, Christians prepare for this here-and-now coming of Christ by recalling what was told and promised by the prophets of old. Christ in our midst was promised during the long years of the life of Israel and they waited for the coming of the Messiah. And this Messiah, the anointed one would bring salvation to all and everyone will have a place in His Kingdom. Moreover, Advent has a twofold character. Firstly, as a season to prepare for Christmas when Christ's first coming to us is remembered. Secondly, as a season when that remembrance directs the mind and heart to await Christ's Second Coming at the end of time. Advent is thus a period for devout and joyful expectation.

2. God prepares the way for His Son

One of the things that is very clear while reading the Word of God is that God prepares adequately to send His Son into the world. From the mouth of Prophet Isaiah, we hear God's Word: “For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways” (Isaiah 55:8). God thinks differently than us. Hence, as a way of being, God prepares the way to send His Son with adequate preparation. There is a reason behind Son entering into the cosmos. What is promised in history, God fulfills it fully and without any reservation. In fact, God does not send the Son straight away but with adequate preparation. 

Prophet Baruch says so beautifully: "For God will lead Israel with joy, in the light of his glory, with the mercy and righteousness that come from him" (Baruch 5:9). Prophet Isaiah, whose prophesies are very much realized in the person of Jesus says this: “The voice of one crying in the wilderness: "Prepare the way of the Lord, make his paths straight. Every valley shall be filled, and every mountain and hill shall be brought low, and the crooked shall be made straight, and the rough ways shall be made smooth; and all flesh shall see the salvation of God” (Isaiah 40:3-4; Luke 3: 4-6). In God everything is known; in God, everything is fulfilled. Hence, during the Advent Season, our job is to participate in the ways God shows to us especially in His call for salvation.

3. God remembers His people with tender care

The God of Israelites is a God of love and mercy, compassion and justice. God thinks in favour of His people. Prophet Baruch calls on his people: "Jerusalem, take off your robe of mourning and misery; put on the splendour of glory from God forever" (Baruch 5:1). God never forsakes His people. He always cares and provides for them. When things go bad with His people, God sends prophets like John the Baptist to admonish and correct their ways. Through great signs and wonders, God makes known His plans through the prophets. For we are people of hope and reconciliation, of courage and strength. Pope John Paul II famously said, "Never, ever give up on hope, never doubt, never tire, and never become discouraged, Be not afraid." That is what to be people of Advent.

John the Baptist, the Son of temple priest Zecharia is a voice crying out in the desert in order to lead His people to light and life. He was not a lost voice in the desert but a fruitful and fulfilling voice, which made people turn towards God. To “prepare the way for the Lord” is to renew and to recement our relationship with God, with our neighbour and the cosmos,  recognising that we are all interconnected.   Psalm 126 extols that “the Lord has done great things” in the past, he is making an act of faith and hope—that God will come to Israel in its present need, that He’ll do even greater things in the future. That is what the following means when we hear the voice of God. 

4. History shows us to the future

During Advent, we recall the saving act of God. In the history of Israel down to the coming of Jesus, God has been active in every way in the life of humanity. Therefore the history of the world becomes also our history of salvation. We found our salvation in human history. St Paul writes to the Philippians, that "the one who began a good work in you [us] will continue to complete it" (Philippians 1:6). 

So how can we prepare a way for the Lord this Advent?  History is also time. We need to make the best of everything including in our word and deed, and all that we can care for and share during this season of Advent. The repentance that John the Baptist calls us to is about more than simply saying “sorry” when we have got things wrong. We are called to change – to seek to live differently. The scripture readings give such hope, such consolation, such encouragement and joy – even elevating us to participate in God’s glory – for so we are meant to radiate his light, his love, his justice and mercy to one another. Let's hope that we fulfil what we desired.

Questions for reflections:

1. What is the Will of God for me during this season of Advent?

2. How would I like to spend my time during this Advent?

3. What are the areas of my life, I would like to improve upon given the state of my life? 

4. What is God calling me to do in order that I truly feel I am loved by God?

5. “Take off your robe of mourning and misery…” and “put on the splendour of glory from God forever.” Could these words apply not only to the coming of Christ but to us as well?

6. Where might God be calling you to make a change this Advent? 

Prayer:

    Gracious Lord, as we enter deeper into the Season of Advent, help us to be people of hope and courage to take up our daily crosses. Give us the wisdom and knowledge to prepare, endure, persevere and hope during this season of preparation, so that we may receive joy, peace and love and care as a gift from our Lord. 

    Merciful God,  you sent John the Baptist  to preach repentance.  Help us to feel sorry for our stupidities in being unfaithful to you. Lead us to make a radical change in our lives in order to live differently,  preparing a way   and making your paths straight.  

 O Wisdom

Lord and Ruler

Root of Jesse

Key of David

Rising Son

King of the Nations

Emmanuel Come, Lord Jesus.  Amen. 

- Olvin Veigas, SJ

02 December 2021