Homily for 2nd Sunday of Advent "C"

In our reading from Baruch we hear the call for celebration as God brings back the exiles and reestablishes the glory of the Jerusalem.  This book is set in the time of the Exile, when some the people had been deported to Babylon and others had dispersed around the Mediterranean.  The author speaks to Jerusalem as if it were a person. It is time to remove mourning attire, to don forever splendid garments given by God, guarantees and symbols of harmony, security and prosperity.  From now on, Jerusalem will be a place where justice and peace prevail and where God’s glory will be seen. 

In our second reading Paul rejoices in the authentic faith of the Philippians.  He prays that they may be overflowing in Christian knowledge and discernment so that they may be pure and blameless on the final day.  The tone of joyful prayer is a pervasive quality of the whole letter.   Paul further expresses his confidence that God will finish what God has begun among them. 

In our gospel story John the Baptist begins his ministry (that is) his role in God’s plan.  He announces the time of redemption is at hand.  As did classical Greek authors, Luke places John’s ministry in the context of rulers, here both secular and religious. This gives us a rather precise date for Jesus’ life and the begging of his ministry, i.e. 26-29 AD.  The Greek translated “the word of God came” is the same as in Jeremiah.  Luke sees John as continuing the role of the prophets; announcing judgment at the end of the era and a new pact with God, available to all. 

As we look at John’s proclamation that the Kingdom is at hand, we must also look at what it means for us 21^st century Christians to “prepare the way of the Lord.”  Like John (and the Philippians Paul is so proud of) it means that we must step up to the role God has called us to fulfill.  In general terms it’s easy to talk about:

·         Feed the hungry

·         Cloth the naked

·         Teach the uneducated

·         Visit the sick

Personally it’s about each of us taking the time to listen to God’s voice in our lives.  Putting aside time to get involved and try various ministries on for size.  One will ultimately finding that right fit that uses our talents in a way that we can feel good about.  In this way we can make a contribution of our time and talents to the Kingdom of God!