IS 40:1-5, 9-11
2 PT 3:8-14
MK 1:1-8

Change

The readings for the Second Sunday of Advent introduce us to John the Baptist and his call to repent. John the Baptist is presented to us as a prophet preparing the way for Jesus’ coming. We, too, are called upon to prepare a way for the Lord. Our Baptism directs us to improve ourselves and to call others to life as disciples of Jesus. In the first reading from Isaiah we are told, “A voice cries out: In the desert prepare the way of the LORD! Make straight in the wasteland a highway for our God! Every valley shall be filled in, every mountain and hill shall be made low; the rugged land shall be made a plain, the rough country, a broad valley. Then the glory of the LORD shall be revealed, and all people shall see it together; for the mouth of the LORD has spoken.”  Advent is a time for us to repair and prepare ourselves for the coming of Jesus. The second reading encourages us to grow in holiness. We are told, “… according to his promise we await new heavens and a new earth in which righteousness dwells. Therefore, beloved, since you await these things, be eager to be found without spot or blemish before him, at peace.” What are our spots and blemishes that need to be eliminated so we can grow in holiness? In the gospel, John the Baptist is baptizing people in preparation for the coming of Jesus Christ.

One of the constants in our lives is the reality of change. Over the years of our lives, most of us have experienced significant changes. Many of us do not like changes, even the good ones because our lives become different. Change is inevitable and is something we have to deal with whether we embrace it or rail against it. Welcome to Advent! This is the liturgical season that encourages us to change in positive ways to ready ourselves once again for the Feast of the Incarnation. The focus of the Advent season culminates with the celebration of the physical birth of Jesus and anticipates the second coming of the Christ in glory at some time in the future so we are called to a spiritual renewal, a spiritual preparation during the holy season of Advent. This involves change.

In the first reading Isaiah states some physical changes to the environment to prepare the way of the Lord. These are symbolic changes that call us to changes in our physical and spiritual lives to prepare for the coming of Jesus. What spots or blemishes do we need to work on during these weeks before Christmas? These changes are to take place deep within us so that we become truly transformed.

With God’s help, we can change hatred to love, violence to peace and selfishness to generosity. We can consciously be more aware of the needs of others in our family and community. We can relinquish some of our comfort by donating our time to a food band or some other charitable organization. We can invite someone who is alone to join us for a meal and companionship. We can forego buying numerous gifts for loved ones and instead buy for those in need. We can invite a newly arrived immigrant family to a meal or provide for some of their needed necessities. We can set aside some quality time for quiet prayer. We can participate in daily mass and/or experience the sacrament of reconciliation. Choose something that costs you personally.

It would be a terrible waste of the gift of life to do nothing during Advent to help to become a better person, a holier person. Indifference, laziness, apathy have no place in the life of a disciple of Jesus. Don’t waste this Advent without making some positive change in your life so that you become closer to your loving God and become a holier person.

What can help you become more aware of the importance of Advent in your life?

What is one action you will commit to during Advent that will help you be a holier person?