First Reading: Baruch 5:1-9
Reflection:
The theme of this Sunday’s readings is preparation, as is a common theme during this season of Advent. We are invited, in particular, to prepare for the coming of the Lord through repentance and restoration. The first reading is from Baruch. The authorship of this short book in the Old Testament is attributed to the scribe of the Prophet Jeremiah, named Baruch. The book’s claimed setting is the Babylonian exile in the sixth century B.C. Scholars debate whether or not this authorship and dating is accurate, but, regardless, this first reading refers to the return of the Israelites from their exile in Babylon. The author speaks of a time of restoration for God’s people, the Israelites. They had been in “mourning” while in exile because they had lost the promised land and their spiritual capital of Jerusalem. But the author looks forward to brighter days when the Lord will restore them. At that time, their mourning will turn into rejoicing. They will be restored in their relationship with God and brought back to the Promised Land. The author uses the imagery of mountains being made low and valleys being filled in to illustrate how God will prepare their way and make a straight path for them. This corresponds to the ministry of John the Baptist, which we will hear about in this Sunday’s Gospel reading. Through John the Baptist the way was being prepared for the coming of the Lord through the ministry of Jesus.
Second Reading: Philemon 1:4-6, 8-11
Reflection:
This Sunday’s second reading is from the Apostle Paul’s short letter to Philemon, an early Christian leader. Similar to last week’s second reading from Paul’s letter to the Thessalonians, Paul here invites believers to grow in holiness and love, in light of the Second Coming of Christ. He references the Second Coming with the phrase, “the day of Christ,” which is used twice in this passage. Paul’s prayer is that our “love may increase ever more and more.” As we grow in love, we will grow in holiness, since God is love. In fact, God is the one doing the work of transformation in our lives, and He will be faithful to complete that work of making us holy, if we let Him. Our part in growing in love, according to Paul, involves seeking knowledge and discernment. In order to love God, we must know Him. This is true of any human relationship too. How could one say, for example, that they love their spouse but don’t care to get to know them better? Thus, to grow in love of God we need to seek to grow in our relationship with Him. This also involves checking our priorities, for Paul challenges us to “discern what is of value.” What is most valuable in life? God is! Do you treat Him as most valuable in your life? Or do you tend to give more “value” to temporary things of this world?
Gospel Reading: Luke 3:1-6
Reflection:
In the gospel reading we hear about the ministry of John the Baptist, who prepared the way for the ministry of Jesus. Luke places this ministry and many of the events connected with the life of Jesus within the context of broader world happenings. His preface includes many important political leaders: Caesar, Pontius Pilate, Herod, and more. Within the context of the grandeur of the Roman Empire and the important leaders who were governing at the time, Luke recounts the events of John the Baptist’s ministry. By including these historical details, Luke shows his credibility as a historian and helps us to place the events in his gospel within the broader setting of world history. He also subtly indicates that Jesus is more important than all these political leaders. The events recorded in the gospel revolving around Jesus’ life trump the events of world history, for they have an eternal significance. John the Baptist was the forerunner of Jesus, preparing the way for Jesus to minister to the people through many signs and wonders and ultimately by dying on the cross and rising again for our salvation. The words quoted here from the Prophet Isaiah are similar to the words in Baruch from this Sunday’s first reading. God was leading people back to Himself and bringing them to salvation. He is also inviting us to come to Him and find salvation. How did John prepare the way? He did so by “proclaiming a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins.” We can learn from this that the way to prepare to encounter the Lord is to repent and seek forgiveness of our sins.
Application:
• How do the events of this Sunday’s readings relate to our lives? Maybe you’ve felt like you’ve been in a sort of spiritual exile lately. Maybe you’ve been going through a rough spell in your life. Whatever you may be experiencing, God wants to turn your mourning into rejoicing. He wants to bring you out of spiritual darkness and into the light of His grace. God wants to lead you on straight paths to the true Promised Land of heaven. In Advent, we are invited to prepare to encounter the Lord. He is calling each of us to Himself. How will you respond to His invitation?
• You’re invited to prepare for the coming of Jesus by visiting the Sacrament of Reconciliation this Advent. Even if it’s been a long time since you’ve been to confession, take that step to go soon and find the forgiveness Jesus offers.
