2ND SUNDAY IN ADVENT [HOMILY] YEAR B
THEME: Prepare a Way for the Lord
BY: Fr Anthony Chukwuebuka Ohaekwusi
When parents are expecting a new baby, it’s always accompanied by anxiety and desperation, doing all in their power to make sure everything is taken care of. They go shopping, decorate the baby’s room and set up the crib. They dot the I’s and cross the T’s; nothing is enough and there is still more to do. The mother struggles with the challenges of the bodily and hormonal changes associated with the baby’s development in the womb, while the father feels the pressure of running around to provide everything the pregnancy requires, sometimes to satisfy his wife’s cravings. Both are preparing physically, mentally, spiritually, emotionally and financially for the new arrival: hopeful passion filled with painful joy that they will soon receive and welcome their family’s most precious treasure. Although they suffer from painful passion, they are consoled and motivated by the joyful hope of this gift, remaining very cautious and conscious to avoid unforeseen circumstances, even if they already know the date for the birth. Like someone expecting a special guest or delivery, they prepare but don’t stop looking out in anticipation of the arrival.
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This week of Advent speaks consolation to the stress and pressure we experience as we prepare for the coming of God’s Kingdom. Christmas is just two weeks away and everyone is running around to make sure everything is in place for this celebration. Our expectations create pressure and anxiety that force us to work hard and persevere to get everything right. If there are no expectations, there is no need to do good deeds. This is what John the Baptist represents, the need for preparation and perseverance in our expectations. He announced the coming of salvation by preaching repentance to all who await His coming. We should live a holy life, awaiting and longing for the coming of the Day of God. Our preparation for this Day must come from the heart, so that it does not come to us like a thief, leaving us disappointed like someone who missed a special delivery. Perseverance keeps us ready and confident, even if we suffer in hope. We rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that they produce perseverance, which produces character, which produces hope, and our hope does not disappoint. For God’s time is never slow, while ours is often fast.
Remain lifted and do have a great Sunday
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