2nd Sunday of Advent - Year B

2nd Sunday of Advent - Year B

Introduction to Mass

Dearly Beloved,

On this second Sunday of Advent Year B, great emphasis is placed on preparing our soul for Christmas.  The Newborn King will arrive soon.  Let us examine some of the obstacles that we place in his path, and allow God to help pave a smooth path for the Newborn King to dwell in our sin.  Let us prepare our hearts.  

Homily

A voice of one crying out in the desert: “Prepare the way of the Lord, make straight his paths.”  John the Baptist appeared in the desert proclaiming a Baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins.”  

The Chosen People have an ancient and valuable custom.  It gives spiritual insight during this holy season of Advent.  On certain special occasions, when families gather for meals, they leave an empty chair at the dining table.  Plates, bowls and cups are set at this empty seat as if they are waiting for a special guest to arrive.  

The Chosen People certainly believe that God will keep His promise.  God will send the Messiah.  How will they know to distinguish the true Messiah from false ones?  Before the true Messiah, they believe that the prophet Elijah will return, to be the forerunner, and prepare the way for the Messiah.  The return of Elijah is a sign of the true Messiah that is to come.

So if you happen to attend one of these family gatherings, and notice an empty seat.  Whatever you do, just don't sit there!  It's saved for the prophet Elijah.

Now, most prophets of the Old Testament are unique; most especially is the prophet Elijah.  Elijah defeated the false prophets of Baal in a contest at Mt. Carmel.  Afterwards, Queen Jezebel wanted to end the prophet’s life.  So Elijah took refuge at a house of a widow and her son.  

At the house, the widow was worried about providing for this “Man of God.”  They barely had enough food for themselves.  But Elijah promised her that no matter how much she used, the flask of oil and and the jar of flour will never go empty.  

One time, the widow’s son died, the prophet Elijah brought him back to life.  Elijah's own death is “out of this world”.  Instead of having a normal death, a golden chariot came down from the clouds and escorted him to the heavens.   

The Gospel Evangelists were familiar with the ancient custom and belief.  They also believed that Elijah will return and has returned.  Not himself literally, but His spirit in John the Baptist.  St John the Baptist is the Elijah figure and prepares the way for the Messiah.

John describes himself as the voice of crying out in the desert, prepare the way of the Lord.  At the Jordan River, he performs a Baptism of Repentance.  He calls people to change their ways.  His has a strict diet consisting mainly of locusts and wild honey.  His choice of clothing is unusual and bizarre, made of camel's hair, held together by a leather belt.  St. John is the last prophet before the Messiah.  

His preaching style is 'fire and brimstone'.  

A story: I remember a priest once describe that his parish had a guest priest came to his church to give a annual retreat.  As this guest priest was preaching the Gospel, the stained glass windows in the church began to rattle and shake.  This took place on May 18, 1980.  It turns out that Mt. St Helen erupted that morning.  The priest told me that it was the best 'fire and brimstone' preaching he had ever heard.  

It would be inaccurate to describe St John the Baptist as a good preacher.  He was actually a fiery preacher.  His messages would “cut to the heart” and remain with his listeners.  St John the Baptist can also be described as a surgeon for the soul.  But when he operates, he doesn't use any anesthetic or painkillers.  Ouch!

St John echoes the prophet Isaiah: every valley shall be filled, mountains will be made low, crooked ways will be straightened.  How do we understand this figurative language?  

In ancient times, highways and roads were a rarity; not like what we have today.  Whenever a Dignitary, King or Emperor or an important person were to enter into the city, the people have to change the terrain, and pave a smooth path for this person.

Advent is a time not only to prepare for the Newborn King, but to pave a smooth path for the Lord.  It is a time to carefully examine obstacles that are in his path and allow him to enter.  

Certainly Christ will always find us.  But we have the option of making it easy or difficult for him to find our soul and make it his home. 

Glory be...

Sending Forth:

May the Prince of Peace dwell in your soul during this holy season of Advent.  May your spiritual preparations for Christmas be fruitful.  May you be protected through the intercessions of Our Lady Queen of Peace and St Joseph, Father of Peace.  May almighty God bless you, Father, Son and Holy Spirit.  Amen.