Preparation For The Lord’s Coming

 

News of pardon is a comfort.

Reflection on Today’s Readings, 2nd Sunday of Advent B, December 10th, 2023
Texts: Isaiah 40:1-5.9-11; Psalm 85: 9-14; 2 Peter 3:8-14; Mark 1:1-8 

Prophet Isaiah, in today’s first reading, emphasises two things: Preparation for the Lord’s coming and the reality of His coming. He tells us that our Lord has done what it takes to come. Our Lord has removed the barrier between us and Himself. What is the barrier? It is our offence. Prophet Isaiah says, “Comfort, comfort my people, says your God. Speak tenderly to Jerusalem, and cry to her that her warfare is ended, that her iniquity is pardoned, that she has received from the Lord's hand double for all her sins.” News of pardon is a comfort for everyone who wait on the Lord.  

The pardoning of our offences is good tiding to whoever await the Lord, for barrier is removed, yoke is broken. We can now be sure that our God is ready to meet us. We are to proclaim it because it is true; no fear that it might fail. It is not only true, it is also so great a joy that we cannot hold it in but proclaim it. Hence, prophet Isaiah says, “Get you up to a high mountain, O Zion, herald of good tidings; lift up your voice with strength, O Jerusalem, herald of good tidings, lift it up, fear not; say to the cities of Judah, "Behold your God!" Behold”.

The  Lord GOD comes with might, and his arm rules for him

Prophet Isaiah does not forget to tell us what the Lord is coming to do. He says, “The  Lord GOD comes with might, and his arm rules for him; behold, his reward is with him, and his recompense before him. He will feed his flock like a shepherd, he will gather the lambs in his arms, he will carry them in his bosom, and gently lead those that are with young.” He will inaugurate His kingdom, pay us according to our coins, and care for us. 

Having assured us of the Lord’s coming, prophet Isaiah calls on us to prepare. He says, “A voice cries: ‘In the wilderness prepare the way of the  Lord, make straight in the desert a highway for our God. ... And the glory of the  Lord shall be revealed, and all flesh shall see it together’”. It is no longer our offences that delay Him, it is our unwillingness to repent. Hence, in the second reading, St. Peter says, “The  Lord is not slow about his promise as some count slowness, but is forbearing toward you, not wishing that any should perish, but that all should reach repentance.” 

St. Peter admonishes us to be holy and righteous

Preparation for the Lord’s coming requires us to confess our sins, repent and make amends. Jesus tells us that John the Baptist has taught us how to prepare. He says, “John the Baptist appeared in the wilderness, preaching a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins.” In preparation for the Lord’s coming, St. Peter admonishes us to be holy and righteous. In his words: “What sort of persons ought you to be in lives of holiness and godliness, waiting for and hastening the coming of the day of God”. 

Prayer 

Almighty and merciful God, may no earthly undertaking hinder those who set out in haste to meet your Son, but may our learning of heavenly wisdom gain us admittance to his company. Amen (Collect) 

Fr. Andrew Olowomuke