Tag Archives: Second Sunday in Advent

Second Sunday in Advent

Homilies,

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.”

Second Sunday in Advent

Homilies,

Scripture Readings:      Isaiah 40:1-11;     2 Peter 3:8-14;    Mark 1:1-8

 

Last weekend, in my homily, I suggested that during this Advent 2014 we make the effort to be alert to goodness… goodness and compassion; that we see, that we notice the goodness of God happening around us each day of Advent, and then in a short sentence or phrase write down at least one experience for each day.

Then come Christmas Day after all the gifts are open, take your advent list out and review it.  See in your list the ever present reminder that God blesses us every day, a day that is magnified in the Gift of Emmanuel – God is with us not only at Christmas but everyday.

This weekend our reading from St. Peter asks us to consider not just how others may be conducting themselves in good and holy lives, but asks us to hear the words:  “conduct yourselves in holiness and devotion.”

How do we live holy and devote lives?

How do we, like John the Baptist, prepare the way of the Lord?

Love God, love others is a good answer.  But how do we even do that?

Mother Teresa of Calcutta once shared:  “We can do no great things; only small things with great love.”

What are we capable of doing, as a person, family, parish with great love.  What supposed small act of great love today, tomorrow, everyday will remind ourselves and others of the Good News that God loves, God cares, God always forgives and God comes into the lives of all people.  And like John the Baptist, we cry out not only in words but in the actions of our lives, that God continues to come to life in our world of today.

Like last week, I offer a suggestion for this week:  each day seize the moment whether planned or spontaneous to conduct yourself in holiness and devotion.

Take the time… make the time… make the effort, to do some more good.  Yes, I know we all do good daily, but is there one more effort you might consider?  Maybe there will be that spontaneous moment that we can respond to:

+ Like giving up that miracle parking space right there at the front door of the store.

+ Like acting upon that long delayed phone call or visit.

+ Like spending quality time with that person you have almost forgotten.

+ Like reaching out to a stranger in need.

+ Pray and ask God to direct you in acts of caring and sharing that remind others of the eternal goodness of God.

I think we get the idea….

In the end, everyone needs to know, everyone needs to be reminded that God continues to come into our world and their lives.  Be a voice of God’s presence to another, to others:  yesterday, today and tomorrow.

Love God, love others, be the Lord’s Disciples.