Second Sunday of Advent December 04, 2022
Readings: Isaiah
11:1-10 Romans 15:4-9 Matthew 3:1-12
We are reminded during this season of Advent that Christ is
coming back and we look forward to that time with great anticipation and hope,
while also doing our diligence to prepare well. The first reading today from
Isaiah takes us back to the time of the Exile in Israel’s history. The
Israelites were conquered and taken into captivity by the Babylonians. This was
a low point in the Old Testament narrative of the history of Israel. Yet,
today’s reading offers great hope. We hear in this passage the promise of the coming
of the Lord. The people are called to “prepare the way” for His coming. God is
coming to rescue His people and reign among them. This passage has dual
meanings. First, in its original context, it refers to God saving His people
from their exile and captivity and restoring them to the land of Israel with
its great Temple in Jerusalem. Second, it points to the advent of Jesus Christ,
when God would come to dwell with His people in the flesh. We see that second
reference fulfilled in today’s Gospel.
John’s task was to straighten out the human hearts and he
imparted truth as he saw it: to Herod, to all the people, the Pharisees,
Sadducees. He was a voice that summoned
people to justice and right and led them to God. The Jews in general respected
him and went to him easily to listen to him. His mission was very much the
reminder of Prophet Elijah who was identified with fire. Fire is a good symbol
as it provides illumination and warmth and at the same time purification. John
while preaching and baptizing demonstrated his forthright self that contained a
warning and a promise. John’s preaching was directed at some of the Scribes and
Pharisees. When the Pharisees and
Sadducees he called them a brood of vipers and people in such category could be
considered evil and dangerous for others. However, he called them to repentance
and change of heart for there was room for everyone with God and their hearts
could always change for good.
Matthew at this juncture explains to the audience who John the Baptist is. He speaks about his austerity, poverty, food habits and the presentation of self as a spiritual person. He speaks of him as a desert nomad, clothed in a robe made of camel’s hair, fastened with a crude belt. At the same time, he also speaks of his popularity saying that the people of Jerusalem and all Judea were going out to him, and the entire region along the Jordan, and they were baptized by him in the river Jordan, after confessing their sins.
Towards the end of today's Gospel, we have the following
words of John the Baptist that he was baptizing them with water as a sign of
repentance, but one who was more powerful than he was coming after him and John
himself was not worthy to untie his sandals, namely even to be his menial
servant. He would baptize them with the Holy Spirit and fire. John in this way directed the people to Jesus
who would baptize people with the spirit which ultimately came on the day of
Pentecost. That became the sign of
repentance which Jesus was to preach and sign of his kingdom.
During Advent, in particular, we are called to prepare to
encounter the Lord. Let us reflect on what we can do this Advent season to grow
in “holiness and devotion.”
Take the opportunity this Advent to heed the call of today’s
readings to repentance. Is John the Baptist telling me? Then let me visit the Sacrament of
Reconciliation. God is waiting there to offer me His forgiveness.
Happy Sunday
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