Second Sunday of Advent
John the Baptist’s vocation was to “prepare the way of the Lord, make straight his paths” according to today’s gospel. His basic message was to “repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.” He also told the people about someone who was coming. Someone who was so high in stature that John was not worthy to fasten his sandals. He said that this person would baptize with fire and the holy spirit, and that he would separate the wheat from the chaff, gathering the wheat to himself. Thus, those who made themselves ready for this one who was coming would be gathered in and embraced by this person, while those who were not ready would be cast out. He was, of course, speaking of Jesus, and the repentance he called for was the way to prepare for the coming of Jesus.
John performed a great service for the people of his day, and on the second Sunday of Advent each year, he does the same for us. We once again hear his call to “repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.” This repentance he speaks of includes recognizing and being sorry for our sins and going to confession. But it means more than that. It means metanoia, reorienting your life, shifting your focus into a better position.
What happens to us during the course of our lives is that things happen, we are busy and distracted, and our focus shifts, and we lose sight of what is most important. In the Sermon on the Mount in the Gospel of Matthew, Jesus assures us that our Heavenly Father knows what we need, and he assures us that if we make the Kingdom of God our priority, the Father will provide these things. And so, John invites us to turn around again and make God the center of our lives. When we do this, we become less focused on material things, and our relationships with other people becomes more loving and healthier. Then we will be able to celebrate the coming of Christ more joyfully.
Reflection by Fr. Aquinas Keusenkothen, OSB
Posted in Articles for Advent, Daily Reflections