To watch Fr. Joe’s homily for the 2nd Sunday in Advent: CLICK HERE!
Often we read or hear the Scriptures rather routinely… But like something we share or say, there is meaning behind the words. As I read Paul’s Letter to the Philippians, the sincerity of Paul struck me, “Brothers and Sisters, I pray always with joy in my every prayer for all of you. I am confident that the one who began the good work in you will continue to complete it until the day of Christ Jesus. God is my witness, how I long for all of you with the affection of Christ Jesus.”
Paul’s letter, his joy, his prayer, his hope, his love, his faith is also meant for us…
Paul knew 2,000 years ago that he did not labor alone. Paul knew he was part of a growing community supporting one another; trying to live as Jesus did; and giving witness to the Risen Christ.
It goes without saying, we are called to do the same. And we do… But sometimes we may wonder, does it really make a difference?
I think that deep down we know it does and there are moments when we see or hear about a good deed shared that has made a real difference in the life of a person or family or a community… that we were in some way a part of…
Big or small, it does make a difference not only at Christmas time but throughout the year…
And in our efforts of caring and sharing, of raising people up, of making someone’s life a bit easier, straighter, smoother…
We all do become a bit closer – not only to one another, but closer to God and witness to a God that cares for us and others beyond our imagining.
Acts of kindness, big or small… Caring for the poor and sick… Various forms of generosity at Christmas and throughout the year is not simply going good… it is a PATHWAY to GOD…
And isn’t that what the Prophet Isaiah asks of us, “Prepare the way of the Lord.”