2^nd Sunday of Advent Year C

Baruch 5: 1-9, Phil 1: 4-6,8-11, Luke 3: 4. 6

Sometimes when people point out something that is wrong with us, we see what they are saying, recognize it as true but proceed to do nothing about it. Recognizing the truth does not compel us to alter our ways.

In today’s readings, we hear voices encouraging us to imagine a good future that God has in store for us. They invite us to imagine the best and then act accordingly.

The Old Testament Prophet Baruch in the first reading gives us a picture of Jerusalem, calling it to rise; to stand up with gladness for God is leading his children home. Israel is asked to come home, thanks to God’s mercy. The story ends in Love.

Jerusalem, the mother, should stand up to welcome her children, the returnees. We are to welcome those who come to us, not only those we like.

We are to welcome those who are neglected and humiliated in our world today. God wants to bring them home. The season of Advent, welcome someone who is looking for joy, home, brotherhood, and sisterhood.

Advent is a time of return, people coming home, coming to church. We need patience, generosity, and hospitality to let them be welcomed.  Advent is a time to make people feel welcome.

Baruch asked the people to change their wardrobe, to throw away the dress of sorrow and distress, and wrap the cloak of God’s integrity around them.

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In the second reading, a question is asked, “ What are the things that are valuable in life.” We need Love and Justice. These are things that matter to welcome Jesus. Love to see reality and understand things better. Instead of thinking of things that are self-directed, think of things that bring joy and peace. Do things that are valuable. It is Love that helps us to see the truth. We should focus on the things that matter.  Welcome those that God brings to you this Advent.

The Gospel invites us to a change of life, to repentance. Admit that our decisions and actions are not in harmony with what God wants us to be. Hence there is a call to repentance.

We are all suffering because of pride, the pride to say I am sorry in our offices, our homes, etc. We need humility. We need help and encouragement to leave behind familiar ways that have become destructive. In the words of Cardinal Newman: “To be human is to change. To be perfect is to have changed often.”