Second Sunday of Advent December 05, 2021
Baruch 5:1-9; Philippians 1:3-6, 8; Luke 3:1-6
When passing through a mountain pass, a villager once came across an old man who was blind and who seemed to be afflicted with various ailments all over his body. It was clear that he was wasting away. He was even paralyzed and was constantly forced to remain in a seated position. The Villager could clearly hear him say, "All praise is for God who has kept me safe from ailments with which He has tested many among His creation, and He has indeed preferred me over many among those that He created." "My brother!" exclaimed the man. "What have you been saved from? By God? I think that you have been afflicted with every single kind of ailment!" "Go away from me," said the old man, as he raised his head. "Do I not still have a tongue with which I can pronounce His Oneness, and with which I can remember Him every single moment? And do I not still have a heart with which I can know Him?" These words of the old man were enough for the Villager to repent to God for his sins and ask Him for forgiveness. Remember, there is always someone else who is in more problem than you.
The Gospel reminds us that our own role is not unlike that
of John the Baptist. Like him, each one of us has a mission to communicate the
Spirit of Christ and his message of hope, love, freedom, and peace to others.
To help people fill their valleys and make their rough paths smoother. A word
of affirmation and encouragement can work wonders. To have a naturally cheerful
disposition can be a real witness of Christian joy. John heard the word of God in the desert. Our
cities and towns are often such busy places and our lives are often so hectic.
We really do need some quiet so that we can hear God speaking to us.
Christmas is the commemoration of the greatest gift of the
mercy of God bestowed on this world. The feast invites us to turn ourselves to
God in gratitude and repentance and experience his abounding mercy. Christ will come to us with the salvation of
God and we can confidently hope to live the coming year with gratitude to our
Father in heaven. During the course of
this week, let us reflect upon our spiritual ancestors, our saintly brothers,
and sisters, who have gone out from Jerusalem so we may share in the joy of the
Gospel of Christ. Let us reflect upon their message which has become our
message. Let us prepare ourselves to celebrate the past coming of the Lord that
is commemorated on Christmas day. Let us constantly pray for each other with
joy in every one of our prayers.
In the opening prayer for this Mass we said, "God of
power and mercy, open our hearts in welcome. Remove the things that hinder us
from receiving Christ with joy." In order for this to happen, we must
resolve, in this season of advent, to take the first step, to make room for
God, make time for church, for prayer, for hearing the word of God.
(You are most welcome to add your thoughts and views in the
comment section below)
Happy Sunday
Beautiful, Have a blessed day.
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