2nd Sunday of Advent (Year C)

Repentance and Restoration

december 8, 2024 | 2nd sunday of advent, Year C

Baruch 5-9; Psalm 126; Philippians 1:4-6,8-11; Luke 3:1-6

Take off your robe of mourning and misery

The reading of the Book of Baruch considered as an Apocrypha in the Catholic Bible is a good opportunity for the season of Advent. While conveying the message of hope and consolation for the Jewish people in exile, Baruch, Secretary of Jeremiah enjoins the exile people to admit that they are sinners and God who is faithful will grant pardon and mercy if they repent from their sins. This will enable them to return and find peace and justice in the Lord.

John call to repentance

John the Baptist, in the whole tradition appears to be one of the greatest preachers of repentance and the return to the Lord for the people of Israel. Quoting abundantly, prophet Isaiah, John the Baptist invites the people to receive the baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sin in order to prepare the way for God's salvation. “Prepare the way of the Lord, make straight his paths. Every valley shall be filled and every mountain and hill shall be made low. The winding roads shall be made straight, and the rough ways made smooth, and all flesh shall see the salvation of God”

This preaching of John of the coming of the Lord is a key theme of Advent. Let us respond to John’s and Baruch message today by repentance and reform of our lives. Like John, we are also call to be prophet of Christ by announcing the coming of Lord by our lives. Refusal of repentance is a refusal of the freedom of Christ, who freed us to live in freedom, not to indulge in the flesh but serve in love. (Galatians 5:1, 13-18) That is to live by the spirit and not by the desires of the flesh.

As we light the candle of peace, let’s prepare God’s way in our heart; let’s us make our crooked ways straight and right. Let’s put on the robe of God’s glory and righteousness. Amen.

Fr. Georges Bidzogo SAC

Living the Gospel this week: the candle of Peace. (Isaiah 9:6)

The candle of peace, represents the presence of the Prince of Peace. It is the second candle lit in the Advent wreath. It is Jesus Christ that brings peace in the world.

Peace is a gift from God and it is a sign of God’s presence filling our lives.

1) Are you at peace? Come, Holy Spirit of peace!

2) Why are you not at peace? Maybe because of my crooked ways.

Come Holy Spirit help me to make my ways straight. We cannot encounter Christ in crooked ways.

“For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government shall be upon his shoulder, and his name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, prince of Peace”

(Isaiah 9:6)

Fr. Georges Roger BIDZOGO SAC