Second Sunday of Advent

Numerous allusions appear in the Liturgy of this day to Jerusalem and her people. Let us be filled with sentiments of hope and of joy, for the coming of Jesus is nigh. Let us prepare the way in our hearts for the messias: Our Lord and Redeemer Jesus Christ. (1962 Roman Missal)

Advent is all about preparing for the coming of our Messiah. Father said today that the first half of December we are meant to focus on the 2nd coming of Christ as Judge of the world. The second half of the month we focus on His coming as a babe in a manger as the Saviour of the world. He said that we should not be celebrating Christmas yet, because Christmas has not come. But we should be preparing for His coming, getting ready, and not rushing ahead.

John the Baptist, the little baby who jumped in Elizabeth's womb at the sound of Mary's voice, is the "voice crying in the wilderness," telling people about the Messiah who is coming. Dressed in rough clothing, eating a diet of locusts and wild honey, he is a physical example of repentance, and he calls us to the same. It's hard to think about being sorry for our sins, about repentance, when the world is already celebrating in its secular way. But that is what Advent is all about, and that's what we are called to do at this time of the year. As Father said, we have the whole Christmas season from Christmas until January 14 to celebrate with parties and decorations, but Advent is a time for repentance and penance.

"...Jesus began to say to the multitudes concerning John: What went you out into the desert to see? A reed shaken with the wind? But what went you out to see? A man clothed in soft garments? Behold they that are clothed in soft garments are in the houses of kings. A Prophet? Yea I tell you, and more than a Prophet. For this is he of whom it is written: Behold I send my Angel before they face, who shall prepare Thy way before thee." (Matthew 11)

No, we didn't come to see a reed blowing in the wind or a rich man clothed in soft garments. We came to see the Prophet who preaches the gospel of Christ and warns us to repent of our sins or risk losing Salvation. Get ready. Jesus is coming.