Second Sunday of Advent
Also Read: Mass Readings for 10 December 2023 Mass Reading Reflection for 10 December 2023
Gospel: Mark 1: 1-8
“Prepare the way of the Lord, make straight his paths.” As we are entering into the second week of Advent, the Church is quoting the scripture and asking us to be prepared to receive the Lord.
We are already prepared in many ways to celebrate the festive season. Gifts are ready, and houses, streets, and plazas are decorated and illuminated. Detailed plans are made for celebrating the days together. Good.
Are we prepared to receive Jesus? More than anything else, Christmas is about the birth of Jesus, the world has long forgotten it long ago- a dementia on purpose. We live in a world that loves to celebrate Christmas without Jesus.
We live in a world that needs many more of John the Baptist. The world needs someone to take Jesus home. ‘It needs help to make its crooked paths of systematic injustice straight. It needs messengers who would fill the valleys of prejudice. It needs more messengers who would help level the mountains of pride’*. We need to cry out in the wilderness and in the middle of the streets alike asking them to, “Prepare the way of the Lord, make straight his paths.” If not us who are going to do it? If we don’t perform that duty what shall be our merit when Jesus arrives for the second time?
Christmas is an invitation to be with Jesus, the Son of God. We are not invited based on our qualifications. He qualifies us. The only qualification is repentance; acknowledge our sinfulness and be humble enough to ask for forgiveness and mercy. And, be generous enough to forgive those who have offended us. John the Baptist was helping and encouraging his listeners to humbly accept their sinfulness and ask for God Almighty’s mercy and pardon. Elsewhere (Lk 3:10-14) we see him asking people to be generous with one another in sharing their possessions. To those in offices, he asked them to be just in their dealings.
What John the Baptist asked the people is valid even to this date. Christmas is around the corner. Don’t join forces with those who try to kick Jesus out of Christmas. Christmas is all about Jesus Christ. Let us prepare our best to welcome Jesus home.
Let us overcome our pride, prejudice, and desire to win by crook or hook. Share the joy of Christmas with everyone. Start with yourself. Then continue sharing the joy with your family and colleagues. Go on to share the joy of Christmas with everyone you meet.
After all, Christmas is all about heaven sharing with us its most precious king.
Amen.
Courtesy: Fr. Antony Kadavil
