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.