To our delight and for our benefit, the Lord is coming.
A homily from the Second Sunday of Advent based on readings from
Baruch 5:1-9, Psalm 126, Philippians 1:4-6, 8-11, Luke 3:1-6
These readings are available at the USCCB website.
In each of the four weeks of Advent, we take on a new theme, but we don’t quite let go of the earlier ones. For instance, last week our gospel focused on the theme of watching. We still need to watch. This week we work on making ourselves ready, repenting which of course is an ongoing activity more than an event. Next week we’ll look for the coming Messiah, and then in the fourth week of Advent we’ll consider God incarnate in Christ. Then we will celebrate Christmas. Each of these call us to a deeper faith week-in and week-out.
Let’s look at our gospel today. You’ll notice it opens with a list of who’s who. I once heard it said the difference between a fairy tale and an oilfield tale was that fairy tales begin with “Once upon a time” and oilfield tales begin with “I know you won’t believe this, but I swear this actually happened!” (Actually, the language was a bit saltier). The reason the gospel tells us exactly when and who is in charge across the region is to let us know that they are not in any way relating a myth or a legend. This is their way of saying “This actually happened!”.
I don’t know anyone who doesn’t think that Jesus of Nazareth was actually a real person, although I know that some deny him. More frequently, I see Jesus reinvented and reinterpreted to match our own desires. Repentance is letting go of our own desires and putting Jesus and his teachings first, then adapting our lives to that. It requires that we change our perception to more closely match our Savior’s.
John the Baptist proclaims Jesus coming with the words “Prepare the way of the Lord,” from the prophet Isaiah. This particular scripture has a deeper meaning than simply to get ready. Almost every prophet pronounces God’s judgment against the people, and Isaiah is no exception. Almost every prophet announces God’s desire for reconciliation and restoration. This particular part of scripture begins the announcement of restoration from exile led by God himself. And that is what really has happened. God himself has come into the world to lead us to him, to lead us home. We just need to follow.
Keep watching. Repent. Let us prepare ourselves for the Lord who is constantly coming into our lives. With every day we get closer to Christmas, let us draw ever closer to the one who loves and saves us. Let us draw closer to Jesus.
“With every day we get closer to Christmas, let us draw ever closer to the one who loves and saves us. Let us draw closer to Jesus.