Second Sunday of advent year A
(Isaiah 11:1-10; Romans 15:4-9; Mathew 3: 1-12)
Theme: Hope in God
The prophet Isaiah, on this second Sunday of advent presents to us a message of hope. A message that strengthens our resolve to make due preparation for the coming of the Messiah amidst the difficulties and challenges we face daily. He assures us that God will change our stories and situations with the coming of His Chosen One. Therefore, we should be prepared individually and as a group to receive all that the Messiah brings. For the Messiah is coming to establish the reign of God’s kingdom on earth. This kingdom has to do with righteousness, peace and the joy of the Holy Spirit’ (Rom. 14:17). It is how well we are prepared, that will determine how much we are to enjoy these heavenly rewards in our lives.
In order to enjoy these heavenly rewards in our daily lives, the second reading and gospel present to us road map that serve as guide towards our goal or destination. In the gospel reading, we are called to repent and turn away from our sins. By implication, we are invited to a change from all lifestyles that prevent us from enjoying God’s righteousness, peace and joy. Our willingness to turn from evil and live godly lives should be at the heart of our preparation for Christ’s coming.
Another way of preparation is to learn to imbibe some of those wonderful virtues exhibited by John the Baptist. Virtues like humility, love of God, contentment, and fear for God, love for God’s people and making Christ known by our way of living. These virtues could also help in establishing God’s kingdom on earth. This is because, like John the Baptist, our love of God and neighbour will help to bring peace and unity in our communities. Our humility will help us to be content and to see others around us increase while we decrease. In these ways, we become true forerunners of Christ. Indeed, you will agree with me that the world needs men and women like John the Baptist. So, let us strive during this season of advent to be those men and women by acting out these virtues in our daily lives.
Therefore, dear brothers and sisters in Christ let us be at the forefront of promoting peace and unity in our churches, homes, workplaces, schools, communities and so on. Let us emphasize less those things that divide us like race, colour, status, and nationality and so forth. For these do not promote peace and unity, instead they bring about hatred, division, violence, war, and so forth. If we truly want to establish the reign of God’s kingdom on earth and enjoy the good fruits that it brings, then we must take these admonitions seriously. It is my prayer on this second Sunday of advent that we will take God’s invitation seriously and enjoy the eternal fruits that His kingdom brings. May almighty God bless you in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen. Peace be with you!