Homily for the 2nd Sunday of Advent Year C
Theme: Preparing for the coming Messiah
By: Fr. Francis Onwunali
Homily for Sunday December 5 2021
The liturgy of the Second Sunday of Advent Year C has the theme of repentance through making our paths straight in expectation of the coming of the Massiah. The only guide to our preparation for the coming of the Messiah is the Word of God, that which John the Baptist also received in the wilderness.
In the first reading (Baruch 5: 1-9), the Prophet Baruch, the secretary to the Prophet Jeremiah, addresses the few faithful Jews who were left in Jerusalem during the exile. He tells them that it is time to cease being downcast and sad, for God will lead the exiles back to the Holy City in the very near future. Their way back will be smooth and blessed as opposed to the way the captives were taken away, all because God will be leading them back Himself.
In the gospel (Luke 3: 1-6), John preaches repentance for the forgiveness of sins. This will be attained by making our paths straight: every valley will be filled in, every mountain and hill be laid low, winding ways be straightened and rough roads made smooth. When the road becomes clear and all blockages removed, then we shall see the Salvation of our God.
Dear friends, there is a challenge put before us today: to straighten out the paths on which we journey towards meeting the Lord Jesus Christ. It takes a lot of work trying to fill the low points and leveling the highs on which my life has been built. The compass of our journey is the Word of God. God took the initiative to lead us back but we have to consciously and responsively follow in His steps.. Our mouths shall be filled with laughter and our lips with songs (Ps. 125) only if we allow His Word to be our guide.
I pray as we journey in life today, the grace prayed for by our brother Paul will be ours. “And this is my prayer: that your love may increase ever more in knowledge and every kind of perception, to discern what is of value, so that you may be pure and blameless for the day of Christ” (Phil. 1: 8-11). Have a happy and repentance-full Sunday!
Fr. Francis Onwunali