2nd Sunday of Advent
Gospel – Matthew 3:1-12
“Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is close at hand.’” John the Baptist feels the presence of God nearby. And that is why he said, “Prepare a way for the Lord, make his paths straight.” First, what we need is to feel the presence of God nearby us. Then we think about preparing the way of the Lord. Secondly, we see the lifestyle of John the Baptist who calls for the preparation of the way for the Lord. “This man, John wore a garment made of camel-hair with a leather belt round his waist, and his food was locusts and wild honey.” The preparation for the Lord begins in ourselves, when we leave the superficial and when we underline the essentials. We don’t run to conform ourselves to the standards of the world around us but we become what attracts the world to repent. And thirdly, humility makes the final step in the preparation. “but the one who follows me is more powerful than I am, and I am not fit to carry his sandals; he will baptise you with the Holy Spirit and fire.” With humility we can become the instruments of the Holy Spirit. We purify ourselves the Holy Spirit. Let’s reflect: Advent is the time to feel the nearness of the Lord and to prepare His way with our lifestyle and with our humility.
Sunday 4 December
