Theme: PREPARE FOR THE COMING OF JESUS CHRIST
- Isaiah 40:1-5. 9-11;
- Psalm 84 (85): 9-14. R/ v. 8;
- 2 Peter 3:8-14
- Mark 1:1-8
1. Today is the Second Sunday of Advent. The word Advent means coming or arrival, that is, the coming of Jesus Christ. Jesus Christ came two thousand years ago in memory, Jesus Christ continues to come every Christmas in mystery, and Jesus Christ will come at the end of time in majesty as king of the universe!
When Jesus Christ came two thousand years ago in memory, he instituted the Eucharist/Mass and asked us to celebrate it in his memory, that is, to make him present and real in the Eucharist/Mass, so that he can come to us in mystery in the Eucharist/Mass, and so that he can come to us in mystery in the Christ Mass, that is, Christ-mas. The word Christmas comes from the two words: Christ and Mass. (Raas, p 116)
Because Jesus Christ came two thousand years ago in memory, and continues to come every Christmas in mystery, we are sure he will come again at the end of the world in majesty as king of the universe!
2. The readings today tell us to prepare for the coming of Jesus Christ at Christmas and at the end of time! The gospel today tells us to prepare for the coming of Jesus Christ by repentance and by confessing our sins. Thus we read in the gospel today:
“It is written in the book of the prophet Isaiah: Look, I am going to send my messenger before you; he will prepare your way. A voice cries in the wilderness: Prepare a way for the Lord, make his paths straight, and so it was that John the Baptist appeared in the wilderness, proclaiming a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins. All Judaea and all the people of Jerusalem made their way to him, and as they were baptized by him in the river Jordan they confessed their sins.” (Mk 1:2-5)
More importantly, the gospel today tells us that when Jesus Christ comes he will give us the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit will forgive our sins. The Holy Spirit will give us new life. He will give us love, joy and peace! Thus we read in the gospel: “In the course of his preaching John the Baptist said, ‘Someone is following me, someone who is more powerful that I am, and I am not fit to kneel down and undo the strap of his sandals. I have baptized you with water, but he will baptize you with the Holy Spirit.’” (Mk 1:7-8)
3. The first reading follows the theme of the gospel. The first reading also tells us to prepare for the coming of Jesus Christ. Thus we read in the first reading: “A voice cries, ‘Prepare in the wilderness a way for the Lord. Make a straight highway for our God across the desert. Let every valley be filled in, every mountain and hill be laid low, let every cliff become a plain, and the ridges a valley; then the glory of the Lord shall be revealed and all mankind shall see it; for the mouth of the Lord has spoken.’” (Is 40:3-5)
More importantly, the first reading tells us that Jesus Christ will come as a good shepherd to save us. He will feed us. He will hold us in his arms. He will hold us to his breast. He will lead us to rest. Thus we read in the first reading: “He is like a shepherd feeding his flock, gathering lambs in his arms, holding them against his breast and leading to their rest the mother ewes.” (Is 40:11)
This theme of the good shepherd is further developed by Jesus himself in John 10:11-18. (NJB) Thus we read in John 10:14-15: “I am the good shepherd; I know (love/NJB) my own and my own know (love) me, just as the Father knows (loves) me and I know (love) the Father; and I lay down my life for my sheep.”!
4. The responsorial psalm follows the theme of the first reading. The responsorial psalm is a prayer for salvation! (HCSB/NJBC/IBC) Thus the response of the responsorial psalm: “Show us, Lord, your love; grant us your salvation.” (Ps 84 (85): 8/CSB)
The responsorial psalm tells us that the Lord will give us love, mercy, salvation, peace, justice, and happiness! (CCB) Thus we read in the second stanza of the responsorial psalm: “Mercy and faithfulness have met; justice and peace have embraced. Faithfulness shall spring from the earth and justice look down from heaven.” (Ps 84 (85):11-12)
The Lord will also give us prosperity and fruitfulness! Thus we read in stanza three of the responsorial psalm: “The Lord will make us prosper and our earth shall yield its fruit. Justice shall march before him and peace shall follow his steps.” (Ps 84 (85): 13-14)
5. Finally, the second reading tells us to prepare for the coming of Jesus Christ by living holy and saintly lives and by living spotless and stainless lives. More importantly, the second reading tells us that when the Lord comes there will be a new heaven and a new earth! Thus we read in the second reading:
“Since everything is coming to an end like this, you should be living holy and saintly lives while you wait and long for the Day of God to come, when the sky will dissolve in flames and the elements melt in the heat. What we are waiting for is what he promised; the new heavens and new earth, the place where righteousness will be at home. So then, my friends, while you are waiting, do your best to live lives without spot or stain so that he will find you at peace.” (2 Peter 3:11-14)
6. Again, we prepare for the coming of Jesus Christ at Christmas and at the end of time by prayer, reading the word of God, attending Sunday Mass, attending BEC (Basic Ecclesial Community) meetings, prayer meetings, repentance, going to confession, caroling, proclaiming the good news, etc.
We also prepare for the coming of Jesus Christ by becoming Santa Claus (Dutch), that is, Saint Nicholas (Bishop, 4th century, Turkey); by giving Christmas presents to the poor, to children, to the aged, to foreigners, to orphans, to those in prison, etc.
Today in the Eucharist, we celebrate the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ, and we eat his body and drink his blood, and the Risen Lord will give us the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit will help us prepare for the coming of Jesus Christ at Christmas and at the end of the world! Amen!
Words of Spirit and Life 
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