2ND SUNDAY OF ADVENT, YEAR C: HOMILY BY FR. JUSTIN ADIELE
THEME: “THE TIME OF REPENTANCE IS NOW”
INTRODUCTION
The advent season progresses and we shall be hearing the advent summons and calls for adequate preparations for the coming of our King, Christ the Lord. The summon and call for repentance remains central to the season of advent, and we must take out some time to straighten up our spiritual and moral life before Christmas. A Rabbi, Eleazar once declared: “Repent one day before your death.” His disciples thereupon asked him: “How does one know which day that it is?” He replied; “Exactly! For this reason we ought to live everyday as though it were our last.” John the Baptist calls us to repentance before the Christ, and now/today is the time!
THE FIRST READING (BAR. 5: 1–9)
The first reading from the prophet Baruch asked us to use this time/period to remove the garment of sorrow and sins, and put on the garment of righteousness, peace and godliness. That’s the only way we can rejoice in the glory of God at the coming of his Son. Then, the glory, mercy and righteousness of God will complete/perfect us, leading us to everlasting joys.
THE SECOND READING (PHIL. 1: 4–6. 8–11)
In the second reading, St. Paul made known to us his prayer for the Philippians and for us this season. His prayer is that we abound in love, knowledge, discernment, excellence, and righteousness, so as to be blameless for the day of Christ, who is coming to bring to completion the good works started in us. Our prayers this season should also align with the prayer of St. Paul today, which is not centered on material excellence, but on spiritual and moral excellence.
THE GOSPEL READING (LK. 3: 1–6)
The gospel reading cites the famous cry of John in the wilderness; prepare the way of the Lord, make his path straight, fill every valley, level every hill/mountain and the crooked and rough ways made plain/smooth. He preached the baptism of repentance and forgiveness of sins. All flesh/eyes that long to, or that would see the salvation of our God must strive to be holy and righteous just like Simeon the just and Anna during the presentation of the child Jesus in the Temple.
CONCLUSION
The time of repentance is now. Now is the time to straighten up our spiritual life, to embrace prayer, forgiveness and peace with God and with one another. Now is the time to tidy up a room (our lives) and the path for Jesus irrespective of our busy lives; the time to allow the Word of God who is to come, to take flesh in our bodies, in our thoughts and in our actions.
Happy Sunday!
Fr. Justin