For the second Sunday of Advent (Year C), the image of John the Baptist is presented to us -- he who announces the coming of Him who will bring about the forgiveness of sins. John the Baptist is a type of the Church which is tasked to proclaim the coming of the Lord in these last days. Like John, the Church must tirelessly announce Him who comes to gather His people and judge the world. The Christian contributes to this by a baptismal life lived well: (a) by living according to his.her baptismal vows; and (b) by actively carrying out the three-fold task received in baptism (priestly, kingly and prophetic). During this season of Advent, we are invited to focus on the Word of God so that we may rightly discern how each of us can individually contribute to the Church's undertaking of straightening the paths of the Lord who comes. Read the articles in this page and use the following for your reflection.
1. The Word of God came to John while he was in the desert away from the city, the noise of daily life that often distracts rather than helps one focus on what matters.
Reflect. Advent is a period of time when we are invited to go into the desert, into a place where we can focus on the invitations of God. Do you spend time in silence, in prayerful meditation? Do you take time out -- let's say 15 minutes a day -- to get away from the distractions of daily life and focus on the Word of God?
2. Gregory the Great gives us this thought on the rugged roads that need to be smoothened out
"And the crooked paths shall be straightened and the rugged places be made smooth." Crooked paths are straightened when wicked hearts distorted by unrighteousness are aligned to righteousness (Is. 40:4). The rugged places are made smooth when angry minds are turned through the work of grace to the serenity of meekness. When, in fact, the angry mind rejects the world of truth, it is as if the ruggedness of the road would impede the steps of the one who walks. Gregory the Great, Homily 20
Reflect: In the Catechism we have this related idea:
By living with the mind of Christ, Christians hasten the coming of the Reign of God, "a kingdom of justice, love, and peace." They do not, for all that, abandon their earthly tasks; faithful to their master, they fulfill them with uprightness, patience, and love. CCC 2046
To live with "the mind of Christ" (1 Cor. 2:16 and context) -- what does this mean for you?
3. As John the Baptist announced the first coming of the Lord, so the Church announces the coming of the Lord in the last days.
Reflect: How do you help your community of faith prepare the people in your place for the coming of the Lord?
