Second Sunday of Advent

First Reading: Isaiah 11:1-10
Responsorial Psalm: Psalms 72:1-2, 7-8, 12-13, 17
Second Reading: Romans 15:4-9
Gospel: Matthew 3:1-12

Reflection: “Justice shall flourish in his time, and fullness of peace forever.”

The words from the Psalm of this Sunday present to us the hidden reality that emanates from God’s salvific action in our world. The Psalms talks of two things, justice and peace. These are the two things that we seek now in our world devasted by injustice and wars. And the antidote for these two perennial problems are given to us by our readings.

The First Reading, from the Prophet Isaiah, reminds us of God plan for peace in which two opposing sides are able to come together and live together. This reality can only happen if we work out for peace, when we allow God to come into our lives and have His place in again in our world. He who made us and desired to be one with us, continues to long for our personal adherence to Him and to grow in His love. When we desire to find peace, we have to tone down our personal desires and our pride and take the path of selflessness and unite ourselves to God’s Heart that brings about mercy, forgiveness, and humility. The Prophet Isaiah saw this, that the path towards authentic and lasting peace is for God to reign again in the lives of peoples. And with this reign of God justice shall flourish and bear much fruit.

So, St. Paul reminds us in our Second Reading, that we ought to rethink of our Baptismal Vows. These vows will help us to examine our present state. In Baptism, we have renounced sin and the devil with all his lies and empty promises, and in turn we put ourselves in the hands of God. Have we been really conscious of these vows? Have we chosen to fight on the side of God? Have we been faithful in living out these vows? St. Paul says, “May the God of endurance and encouragement grant you to think in harmony with one another, in keeping with Christ Jesus, that with one accord you may with one voice glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.” May we never grow weary in the battle for sanctification. May we always uphold the values of the Kingdom of God that distinguishes us from the world.

In the Gospel, St. John the Baptist calls out for repentance and conversion. When we turn our backs from sin, we give what is due to God, for sin is an injustice to God who created us and made us partakers of His divine life in Baptism. Sin is turning away from God and turning towards creatures, be it our wealth, fame, power, pets, people, and even ourselves. When we put so much effort and time for these things and tend to focus on them, we slowly turn our hearts to these and cannot anymore love God fully. These things might become an alternative to God in our lives.

So, in this Second Sunday of Advent let us take time to examine our hearts and minds, let us see if God still has His place in our lives. If we have slowly moved away or have moved away already, let us take the path of repentance and conversion that we might be justified in the end and be in peace.