2nd Sunday of Advent (B)

(Edited) Sunday reflections: (From) years 2014 (A), 2015 (B), and 2016 (C)

December 7, 2014
Liturgical readings
Isaiah 40:1-5, 9-11
Psalm 85
2 Peter 3:8-14
Mark 1:1-8

"He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit."

The first reading is from the book of Isaiah and prefigures the person of John the Baptist. The first reading refers to the first coming of Christ (the first Advent). The second reading is from the second letter of Peter and refers to the second coming of Christ - a second Advent. This second Advent in the reading is described in cataclysmic terms: "the heavens will pass away with a mighty roar, and the elements will be dissolved by fire". The gospel reading then describes the prophet John the Baptist preparing the way for Jesus. In the gospel reading, John baptizes the people Israel, and leads them to a path to repentance before God. John continues the work of the prophets to bring back the people Israel to God because of their present infidelity to the covenant - a covenant established between them and God since the time of their forefather Abraham.

The hope and anticipation of a Messiah expressed in the readings reminds this present generation of that time when the Lord will come again: in the Parousia, (or Second Coming). The liturgical season of Advent is always a strong reminder of this event. But instead of the fear and anxiety which this event can give, all are encouraged to see the Parousia as an event that brings the final redemption of all. Advent is the season to prepare for such an event. The modern spirit of this season which focuses on Christmas parties and family get-togethers can be balanced by giving more time to listen well to the Advent homilies in Mass and make them a guide in living well this season. Every priest-presider teaches what Advent is and what the spirit of anticipation for Christmas means for all. Listening well obtains a greater understanding of what one's Advent-faith in Christ should be.

What can this Advent-faith in Christ mean? One simple understanding is to prepare Christ's indwelling in one's soul. This direction makes any soul more patient - especially in a time when it is difficult to be so (dealing with traffic, long lines to the cashier, and the common stress of purchasing Noche Buena and gifts). The season of Advent calls all to pause and slow down, to take more opportunities to thank God for the blessings He has given the whole year: life, family, friends, work, and resources to spend for food and gifts. It is the time of year to be humble (to acknowledge one's finitude and return to the Lord); to be vigilant (to avoid excess in food and wine, to be sober and awake); to be joyful (in anticipation of Christ's presence this Christmas); and to have peace (that even with all the bad news we read in social media, each one is held in the saving hand of the Lord).