Shikrot Mpwi - Sunday Synopsis with Fr. Justine J. Dyikuk

Second Sunday of Advent, Year C – December 09, 2018.

Readings: Baruch 5:1-9; Responsorial Psalm Ps 125:1-6;

Philippians 1:4-6,8-11; Gospel Luke 3:1-6.

Theme: Prepare a Way for the Lord!

Introduction

Beloved in Christ, on the second Sunday of Advent, we are challenged on preparing a way for the Lord. At the heart of any endeavour is preparedness. I recall that during the military era in Nigeria, when the head of state or sole administrator was visiting your state or local government, the school was literally closed down for a week. The cleaning of the environment was intense that we were made the wash walls. There was also the uncanny practice of painting stress and stones which separated the lawns. On the D-Day, we usually got to school very early. Five or six hours before president or sole admin arrived, we stood in long queues with our teachers waiting and singing the schools anthem or other songs. The feeling was electric because our excitement knew no bounds. 

Our liturgy presents us with a similar scenario of preparing for the coming of Christ. The popular saying goes, “failure to prepare is planning to fail.” This is why advent prepares us for a blessed Christmas season. Our reflection shall scan through the background and summary of the readings, pastoral application and homiletic points to remember.

 

Background & Summary of the Readings

In the first reading (Baruch 5:1-9), God tells the inhabitants of Jerusalem through the Prophet Baruch to remove the dress of sorrow and distress so as wrap themselves with the cloak of integrity. He assures that the Lord would show their splendor to every nation under heaven. The Prophet also charges that he would flatten each high maintain and fill the valleys to make the ground so that Israel can walk in safety. He concludes that God would guide Israel in joy by the light of his glory with his mercy and integrity.

The second reading (Philippians 1:4-6,8-11) recounts how St. Paul urged the Philippians to increase in knowledge and deepening in perfection. He encourages them on the principles of holiness by urging them to be blameless towards reaching perfection.      

In like manner, the Gospel (Luke 3:1-6) tells the story of how St. John went through the whole of the Jordan district proclaiming a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins. Apparently, it was a fulfilment of the Prophesy of Isaiah: “Prepare a way for the Lord, make his paths straight. Every valley will be filled in, every mountain and hill be laid low, winding ways will be straightened and rough roads made smooth. And all mankind shall see the salvation of God.”

The Salesmen Narrative

A story is told of two salesmen who were sent to an island to sell shoes. The first salesman, upon arrival, was shocked to realize that no one wore shoes. Immediately, he sent a message to his home office in Chicago saying, “I will return home tomorrow. No one wears shoes.” The second salesman was thrilled by the same realization. Immediately he wired his home office in Chicago saying, “Please, send me 10,000 shoes. Everyone here needs them.”

This story mirrors society. Most times, some persons view world in terms of SUNSET while others see it was SUNRISE. Although top government officials such as Tiberius Caesar of Rome, Pontius Pilate Governor of Judea, Herod and Phillip Terach of Galilee and Ituraea as well as Annas and Caiaphas were mentioned in the gospel, only John the Baptist allowed himself to be sued by God for a just and holy course. 

Pastoral Application & Practical Lessons

1. Embracing Mercy and Integrity: As we approach Christmas, our liturgy urges us to use this period of Advent to demonstrate mercy to those at the margins of society as we showcase integrity. 

2. Putting on the Diadem of Glory: In a world where fame and fortune are the in-thing, we are urged to put on the diadem of God’s glory which entails holding our heads high through lofty engagements rather than mundane actions.    

 

3. Being Pure and Spotless: Those who have lost their morals through depraved acts such as sexual recklessness, debauchery and licentiousness are encouraged to look up to Jesus who is coming at Christmas to make them pure and spotless.

4. Seeking Repentance: John’s call to repentance in the gospel charges us to be reconciled with those who have wronged us or those we have wronged especially by patronizing the sacrament of reconciliation. 

5. Doing Penance: The second Sunday of Advent invites us to do penance for our sins while entrusting ourselves to God’s mercies.  

6. Straightening his Paths of Justice: In a world full of injustices, we are challenged to make straight the paths of justice by ensuring equity, justice and peace. 

7. Filling the Valleys of Sin: For most of us, sin can created a deep gulf in our lives - This is why our liturgy calls us to fill the valley of sin by prayer, attending Holy Mass, receiving Holy Communion and doing spiritual reading. 

8. Leveling the Mountain/Hill of Pride: Since one of the tactics of the devil is to make us proud about who we are and what we have, we are charged to level the mountain of pride in our lives by being humble servants of the Lord like John the Baptist.  

9. Straightening Winding Way of Envy: We are reminded to make straight the winding ways of envy by avoiding competitive or destructive spirit in our Christian communities.

10. Smoothening Rough Roads of Greed: In a society where greed is the order of the day, we are called to smoothen the rough roads of greed in order to be the cause of joy for homeless and hungry families during advent leading to the festivities of Christmas. 

Homiletic Points to Remember

1. On the second Sunday we are challenged on preparing a way for the Lord.

2. God tells the inhabitants of Jerusalem through the prophet Baruch to remove the dress of sorrow and distress.

3. St. Paul urged the Philippians to increase in knowledge and deepening in perfection.

4. St. John went through the whole of the Jordan district proclaiming a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins.

5. Prepare a way for the Lord, make his paths straight. 

Conclusion

Friends in Christ, we are urged to make the story of the two salesmen our own by emulating the wise salesman through embracing OPPORTUNITIES in all DIFFICULTIES that come our way. Amidst the difficult task of transversing the whole Jordan district to convince his country folks about the need for repentance for the forgiveness of sins, John ceased the opportunity to serve the Lord honorably while the power that be kept pontificating in vain. Like John the Baptist, a new day has been granted to us to embrace the present moment with utmost freshness and catch men and women for God. As such, may the Holy Spirit guide us in recruiting others for God through Christ Our Lord. Have a Blessed Week!