Second Sunday of Advent ‘A’

Salvation is a gift from God, but it also calls for a response from us. We can't earn God's  blessings; they are given freely through Jesus Christ. As the Prophet Isaiah reminds us in  today's First Reading, it is God who takes the initiative and does the saving through His Son.  Yet, God never forces His gifts on us; He invites us to receive and respond to them with open  hearts. This is why John the Baptist, in today’s Gospel, urges us to prepare ourselves: to let go  of everything that holds us back, to change our hearts, and to renew our lives. This process of  spiritual preparation helps us to welcome Jesus - not only as we celebrate His birth at  Christmas, but also as we await His coming again. 

In Isaiah’s time, God's people had started to lose faith, partly because their leaders had failed  them. Isaiah speaks to their fears and doubts, assuring them of God’s faithfulness and promise:  a new, righteous King, a descendant of David, will come and bring lasting peace and justice.  This promise is meant to spark hope, especially for those who feel discouraged, uncertain. 

In the Second Reading, Paul writes to the Christian community in Rome, especially to those  from Jewish backgrounds. He encourages them to find strength and encouragement in the  Scriptures, and to live in unity with Gentile believers. Paul’s message is: live in harmony and  patience as you wait for Jesus to return. 

The Gospel centers on John the Baptist who not only criticize the religious leaders, but he also challenges everyone to show real evidence of their desire to change. John reminds us that  repentance is more than empty words; it means a genuine transformation of our lives. He calls  us to act with justice and compassion, so that we are ready to welcome God's presence when  Jesus enters our lives. 

As we prepare for Christmas, let us see Advent as a true opportunity for growth and renewal.  Now is the time to turn away from harmful habits, seek God’s forgiveness, and renew ourselves  through prayer, acts of kindness, and generosity. Jesus must be born in our hearts every day,  so His love, mercy, and humility can shine through us. 

Authentic change, to which John the Baptist calls, means living our faith each day: healing  broken relationships, meeting our responsibilities, working honestly, and treating everyone with  fairness and kindness. “Do small things with great love” Mother Theresa used to say. May we  take her wisdom to heart as we celebrate Jesus’ coming at Christmas; let us invite Him into our  lives each day, and look forward with hope to His return.