second Candle – of Peace
Readings:
First: Baruch 5:1-9.
Responsorial Psalm 126: 1-2, 2-3,4-5,6
Second: Phil 1:4-6, 8-11.
Gospel: Luke 3:1-6.
Introduction:
Psalm 125 sets us a tone to understand the pains and joys of life. It tells about the pain of bondage, the sufferings of hardship and the joy of freedom and happiness of reaping the harvest. The faithful psalmist acknowledges that the hand of God is in all the blessings he has received. Therefore, he says, “the Lord has done great things for us, we are filled with joy”. The Prophet Baruch in the chapter five tells us about the pain of a mourning mother -Jerusalem, but the Lord brings the joy in her life as the exiled children return back to her. This returning to Jerusalem, to God means receiving the baptism of Repentance. Metanoia: Reject sin and accept God. The church of Philippians is an example who accepted God by embracing the gospel of Jesus. The second Sunday of Advent invites us to reflect on our journey of Faith.
Sermon Starter: The Story of the prodigal son. (Metanoia- to turn away from sin and return to God). Journey of faith always brings us back to God. Our Joy is in the Lord.
Commentary:
First reading from the book of Prophet Baruch 5: 1-9:
The context of this first reading is that the people of Israel are taken into exile and Jerusalem is in sorrow. In this environment the prophet gives the message of renewal, returning of joy. So what is expected of the people? They have firstly to take off (Baruch5:1), secondly put on, thirdly arise, stand and look to the salvation prepared by God.
Firstly: Baruch 5:1. Take off the garments of your sorrow and affliction (penitential rite). Jerusalem is personified as a mother mourning for her exiled children. Verse 5.1 says, take off the garment of your sorrow and affliction. This garment of sorrow is a sign of weeping and mourning. Chapter 4:20 says, “I have put off the robe of peace and put on the sackcloth of supplication. Because Jerusalem have seen the people are taken into exile, into slavery by the enemies. Therefore, Jerusalem is shown as a sorrowful, who lost the peace.
Secondly: Change of clothing: Put on the robe of glory and peace (conversion).
O mother Jerusalem now put on forever the beauty of the glory from God, put on the robe of righteousness, put on your head the diadem (miter) of the glory of the everlasting God will give you a new name: “Righteous peace, godly glory”. In the bible putting on new clothing, robe, ring symbolizes: a divine blessing, a change in status (the parable of the repentant prodigal son). Your sins are forgiven and your punishment is taken away.
Thirdly: Baruch 5: 5-6; Arise, O Jerusalem and stand on high and look (witness): your exiles are coming back. They were taken on foot and now coming on throne. (reflect the psalm 125: they sow in tears and reap with joy). Freedom from slavery brings joy.
Preparing the way: v. 7. For God has ordered that every high mountain and the everlasting hills be made low and the valleys filled up, to make level ground, so that Israel may walk safely in the glory of God. This passage is closely connected to prophet Isiah 40:3-4 and in Gospel of Luke: 3:4-6. A kingly people who were taken in exile will be given a royal welcome. God has ordered to remove all the obstacles on the road to receive his people. The mountains of pride and valleys of sin will be leveled to prepare the way of the Lord.
Baruch 5: 9: God will bring Israel with joy, with mercy and justice that comes from him.
Jerusalem, your God forgives you so repent and receive a robe with God’s glory.
Second Reading: Phil 1: 4-6, 8-11
In the beginning of the Letter Paul prayers and encourages to the church of Philippi. Paul is impressed by their spiritual maturity. He appeals to them to continue their life according to the Gospel, so that they may be pure and blameless for the day of Jesus Christ. The day of Jesus Christ means, the second coming of the Lord. They prepare for it by following the Gospel: Jesus and his teachings. This is a beautiful lesson for every Priest or leader to encourage your congregation or team to keep on giving their best until we achieve the final target.
Gospel of Luke 3:1-6.
John the Baptist is placed in a historical context with lot of details.
As we celebrate the second Sunday of Advent the church places before us John the Baptist the precursor of Jesus. And his message is to the point: to prepare the way of the Lord and to receive the baptism of the repentance.
Proclaiming a Baptism of Repentance:
Greek word Metanoia (making a U-turn)– a genuine renewal and conversion of heart. This metanoia brings the forgiveness of sins. It brings total healing in relationship with God and others. Repentance means turning away from sin. As prophet Baruch says, take off the clothes of sorrow and put on the robes of righteousness. Give up your sinful life and embrace holiness.
Prepare the way of the Lord:
As per the ancient culture when a king wanted to visit any part of his kingdom, his servants were sent ahead to prepare his journey. The roads and everything was prepared to receive the king without any hurdles. The people of Yahweh are reminded by the prophet John the Baptist prepare the way of the Lord. The King/ God Jesus is coming. Give up your sinful life and receive the Son of God.
Key Messages: Story of the merciful Father and Prodigal son
1. The Lord turns your sorrow into joy: The second Sunday of Advent reminds us to prepare for the coming of the Child Jesus and the king of Kings. God is turning the mourning of the Jerusalem into joy. He delivers them from their slavery with His mercy and Justice.
2. Give up sinful life and return to the Lord: John the Baptist proclaims the Baptism of repentance to prepare the way of the Lord. Sacrament of Confession.
3. Pray and Encourage your faithful to follow the Gospel: St. Paul prays and encourages the church of Philippians to prepare for the second coming of Christ by continuously practicing the gospel of the Lord in purity and blameless life on your journey of faith.
By Fr. Marcus Fernandes OFM.Cap
(from Cathedral of Our Lady of Arabia, Awali-Bahrain).