2nd Sunday of Advent
Theme: A call to repentace
On this 2nd Sunday of Advent Year B, the general theme we have for the season of Advent continues to resound. The need for preparation, waiting and expectancy in hope; as we await the coming of the Messiah. It is a call to conversion that brings about authentic transformation that comes from within. A transformation that will unite us with the Messiah when he comes. We see this in all the readings we have for this Sunday. In the 1st reading, the prophet Isaiah emphasizes the need for preparation as he gives the people a message of hope. In the 2nd reading St. Peter invites us to repentance as we wait for a new Heaven and Earth. Lastly in the gospel of Mark, there is an emphasis on the fact that we should prepare and be ready for the coming of Jesus Christ.
In the 1st reading for this Sunday, the prophet Isaiah gives the Israelites a message of hope. Their stay in exile is gradually coming to an end, and the Lord has great plans of restoration for them. However, during this period of waiting, they are all encouraged to prepare themselves as they await the fulfilment of God’s promise in their lives. This preparation is a call to repentance and transformation of lifestyle. It is a call to holiness of life. In the same way dear friends in Christ, the season of Advent invites us to embrace the call to repentance that will bring about inner transformation and keep us ready for the coming of Jesus Christ. This call to repentance involves all of us; it is not limited to any individual or group of people. We are all sinners and have fallen short of the glory of God in one way or the other. No matter how deep we are in sin, his grace is still sufficient for us. All we need is to make that bold decision and allow God’s grace to take it up from there.
In the 2nd reading, St. Peter points out the fact that God gives us ample opportunity for repentance because he does not desire that any of us should perish. This goes to show the depth of God’s love for all his children. He desires that we all should be part of the new Heaven and Earth. A new world where there will be joy and happiness, a world were pain and sorrow has no place. However, if we truly want to be part of this new world, we must be ready to embrace God’s invitation for conversion. Let us embrace this invitation for conversion and begin to work towards being a member of the new world. Begin by trying to drop those habits and practices in your life that you know is not pleasing to God. Don’t be deceived by the devil that your sins cannot be forgiven; God’s grace is sufficient for you and his mercy abounds for all those who trust in him.
The gospel of Mark presents to us John the Baptist, the messenger of God who came to prepare the way for the coming of Jesus Christ. The mission of John the Baptist was very clear to him and he was contented with it. He was not the messiah, he was simply sent to prepare the people for his coming. In the life of John the Baptist we see contentment, simplicity, humility and sincerity of life. All these are wonderful attributes that we have to strive to imbibe in our lives as children of God, as we strive to be part of the New Heaven and Earth that St. Peter is talking about in today’s 2nd reading.
May God grant us the grace to accept his invitation for repentance. Peace be with you. Amen.