Reflection on Today's Readings, the 2nd Sunday of Advent, December 6th, 2020
Texts: Is. 40:1-5.9-11; Ps. 85:9-14; 2Pet. 3:8-14; Mark 1:1-8
Salvation is not thrown at us, it is received and welcomed. Salvation is received with open hands and welcomed attitude. Today's first reading relays the message of how God showered his mercy on the people, and how he called on them to prepare for for his coming.
God asked his prophet to comfort the people by bringing them the message of salvation: that their warfare has ended; that God has pardoned them; and that they have been punished enough for their sins. However, God shows that the salvation is not going to be thrown at them and, so he called them to prepare for the way of the Lord. The prophet says, "A voice cries: 'In the wilderness prepare the way of the Lord, make straight in the desert a highway for our God. ....'" This preparation is a call to repentance and conversion of hearts. We are to avoid everything that is contrary to the will of God. We are to turn from evil ways and doings to the way of the Lord and doing good. We need to be remorseful for our sins, be ready to do penance for them, and to make resolution not to go back to them. We are to make our hearts pure, not to entertain evil thoughts. When we prepare ourselves, the glory of God will be revealed in our lives.
The second reading reminds us that God always works for our good; he is patient so as to give opportunity for repentance. St. Peter tells us to live in holiness and godliness as we wait for the Lord. When we live in holiness and godliness, we hasten the coming of the Lord. He says, Therefore, beloved, since you wait for these, be zealous to be found by him without spot or blemish, and at peace."
The gospel reading tells us that God does not leave the preparation of ourselves to us alone; he also sent John the Baptist to prepare us for his coming. John the Baptist prepared the people by preaching the baptism of repentance and forgiveness, he was to lead them to repentance and conversion. Repentance is a turn away from a way of doing things to embrace a new one. Forgiveness is about the Lord's mercy, and pardon. John the Baptist brings to their consciousness the mercy of God. We are to turn from evil, confess our sins and seek the mercy of God. The sacraments of baptism, reconciliation and Eucharist are given to us to prepare us as we wait for the Lord. Let us make use of them.
Lord Jesus Christ, we thank you for all you have done to prepare us for your coming, we beg you, help us to play our own parts in preparing for your coming. Amen.
Rev. Fr. Andrew Olowomuke
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