Homily, 2nd Sunday of Advent Dec. 5, 2021



Baruch 5:1-9; Philippians 1:4-6, 8-11; Luke 3:1-6

With our world, plagued by senseless acts of violence and terror, climate change, and still reeling from the COVID-19 pandemic with its ever-changing variants, many may wonder where to find signs of hope. In our gospel passage, Luke starts by placing everything in the context of world and local events. He wanted his readers to understand just how the story he was about to tell played a role in the trajectory of human history. The evangelist would obviously suggest that we too need to read his Gospel in the light of our own religious, social and political context. The state of the world's health and environment, the extremes of wars and peace, division, social activism, lack of faith and anti-religious activities are the environment to which we must apply the Gospel if it is to have meaning for our time.

Luke paints John the Baptist as the last and greatest prophet of them all. And John's unique take on his times included his use of Isaiah's message of consolation. In the verses previous to what John quotes, God calls Isaiah saying, "Comfort, give comfort to my people." Like Isaiah, he calls his people to prepare the way of the Lord- to level the slopes, straighten the curves and smooth the roads of their lives so that they can encounter God's saving power among them. The prophet Baruch wrote for the exiles in Babylon, Assyria, and wherever else they had been scattered. He told them that no matter how bad things got, they were not to lose faith or hope. God had not abandoned them. Much as they had to suffer for their past sinfulness, somehow, some day, they would reclaim their heritage as the Chosen People of God. God would remove every barrier that impeded them and separated them from Him and from one another! 

The paths in our lives are full of roadblocks - valleys, hills and crooked curves that block the path of our relationship with God and others. Valleys to be filled are sins that create a hollow in the life of the Christian. They point to things like broken relationships, gossiping, and lack of prayer that leave us empty and weak, often creating a gulf between the believer and God. Mountains and hills to be made low refer to the egoistic and selfish tendencies which do not give first place to God -sins of pride, hatred arrogance and lack of forgiveness. Winding roads and rough ways are those sins that disfigure the Christian personality- sins of double standard living, addictions and unfaithfulness in our relationships These all tarnish the dignity of those involved.

Christians have always known that Jesus is the Son of God sent to inaugurate the fulfillment of God’s plan, God’s kingdom. The salvation that Jesus brings is not from hardships of life. The salvation that Jesus brings is from the darkness in our hearts; from the power of sin over us but we must accept and believe in Jesus who brings it. Power brokers of his time- Pontius Pilate, Herod and his brothers, Caesar himself, all could never accept Jesus. But true disciples did accept him! They became the Christian Community that has spread throughout the world! 

As we continue to prepare for the celebration of the Savior’s Birth, may we level the hills and fill the valleys of our resistance – and may we let nothing impede the life of Jesus and the love of God in our hearts and lives! 

Maranatha- Come Lord Jesus