Second Sunday of Advent

Is 40:1-5, 9-11, 2 Peter 3:8-14, Mark 1:1-8

 

Dear Sisters and Brothers,

 

Believing Jews knew that one day the Messiah would come among them. The teachings of the prophets made it clear. Isaiah had spoken of a voice crying, “Prepare the way of the LORD—Every valley shall be lifted up, and every mountain and hill be made low” (Isaiah 40: 3,4). Malachi predicted a messenger preparing the way for “the Lord whom you seek” (Malachi 3: 1). John the Baptist, the voice and the messenger, likewise prepared the way by preaching repentance for the forgiveness of sins (Mark 1:4).

Through a renewal of faith and life, we can prepare our hearts to welcome Jesus more deeply. This renewal is not something that can be satisfactorily completed by changing a few minor details of daily living. After all, lowering mountains, filling in valleys, and making rough ways smooth is not an easy task. God has in mind something even more radical-the coming of a new heaven and a new earth, a new kingdom where peace, forgiveness, reconciliation with God, and righteousness will reign, beginning even now (2 Peter 3:13).

We face a moment of decision. If we are to be participants with Jesus in ushering in this new heaven and new earth, we must heed John the Baptist’s call to repentance and choose the new life Jesus came to bring. We need to look to Jesus, “the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world” (John 1:29), and prepare to offer him the fruit of our repentance.

Perhaps you recognize the voice of the Holy Spirit speaking to you of sin in your life. We may need to remove mountains of unbelief, pride, and self-will or fill in valleys of despondency and feelings of inferiority. Perhaps we need to make untruthful and dishonest ways straight, and thus begin to remove barriers separating us from God and preventing the holiness he looks for in our lives (2 Peter 3: 14).

Act on this grace. Take the time to make an examination of conscious, and then receive the Sacrament of Reconciliation. It is only as we renounce sin and accept forgiveness from God that we will know the transforming power of new life and experience the joy of a new heaven and a new earth.

“Lord Jesus, thank you for bringing us new life. Give us the grace to perceive the sinful patterns in our lives and the humility to repent of them. We want to follow you.”

Peace and all good!

Fr. Valery Burusu

Parochial Administrator