Reflection for Second Sunday of Advent: Dec. 5, 2021

Reflection for Second Sunday of Advent: Dec. 5, 2021
 
Baruch 5:1-9: This joyful and triumphant passage blossoms with hope for Israel; a people held captive in their own land, by occupying Roman forces. They have been held in exile for generations, in Babylon, Egypt and various other places. This prophecy communicates exultation. The people of Israel will be freed from captivity, and enslavement to others. In addition, they will be freed from the unjust treatment they have been subjected to for many years. The passage starts out with a vivid analogy of an oppressed people shrugging off mourning clothes and putting on a garment signifying victory, freedom and rejoicing in the liberating power, justice and protection of God. As Advent begins, we can rejoice anew in the hope offered by Jesus’ Presence among us as our Savior and Redeemer!
 
Psalm 126: “The Lord has done great things for us; we are filled with joy.”  The tone of redemption, freedom and rejoicing continues with today’s psalm. The people of Israel are jubilantly returning to their own land. After freedom from exile and are rejoicing to be back home. The psalmist sings in thanksgiving for God’s goodness and generosity toward all people; not just the people of Israel. This foreshadows the fact that Jesus didn’t come to save just the Jews, but Gentiles and all other people, as well. As the psalm continues, the psalmist promises justice in such remedies as restoration of wealth and prosperity, as well as restoration of happiness and freedom from sadness, mourning and an all-consuming focus on the people’s multiple past traumas and losses. This psalm is a poignant expression of faith. Though the people “go forth, weeping” (in mourning), “carrying the seed to be sown” (faith in future liberation and deliverance by God), the prophet/psalmist promises God’s mercy and redemption, such that the people’s tears will be wiped away. Let’s focus on and share in their hope and joy this week.
 
Phil 1:4-6; 8-11: The tone of this letter from St. Paul might serve to remind us that we not only rejoice in our own faith, but in the growing faith of others around us. The growth in faith of others around us is always a gift to us, as well. Their growth in faith is an inspiration to us and to other fellow believers who witness their conversions with us. We are all meant, as a Christian community, to be inspiring, comforting and encouraging to one another. Reflect this week that we must pray daily for our own, as well as others’ growth in love, wisdom, virtue, faith and holiness. This prayer for collective growth in sanctity of all unites us as the Body of Christ, the Church. In sharing our Christian love, faith and encouragement, we become “a living praise of God’s glory,” as promoted by St. Elizabeth of the Trinity (1880-1906), a wonderful Carmelite nun, recently canonized.
 
Luke 3:1-6: This Sunday, we are progressing fast toward our celebration of Jesus’ birth. Luke explains the situation of the world at the time of the start of Jesus’ public ministry. We’re told who is in power in the world, in order to give us the world context in which Jesus’ coming happened.  Then, we are given the vision of John the Baptist, foretelling the imminent arrival of the Messiah, (Jesus) and how the world will be forever changes as a result of Jesus’ coming ministry. Some people were humbly receptive, repentant and welcoming to Jesus. How ready are we to repent, ask forgiveness, worship, welcome, sacrifice for and serve our coming Lord?

Deacon Matt