On this Second Sunday of Advent, I believe a clear message given by our Scriptures is that our God empowers us to change if necessary, and that we can rise above any type of sadness and darkness that might otherwise “disorder” and take control of our lives. This of course, is a wonderful message to contemplate as we prepare for the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ!
The first reading tells us to “take off our robes of mourning and misery and to put on the splendor of the glory of God forever” (see Baruch 5:1). This same reading tells us that “God has commanded that every lofty mountain be made low, and that the age-old depths and gorges be filled to level ground” (see verse seven). I believe this imagery of straightening out and of leveling things, used often in the Old Testament, and even to describe the preaching of John the Baptist in our Gospel today (see Luke 3:4-5), challenges us “to make right” whatever might otherwise be any type of “disorder” in our own personal lives.
These “disorders” can cause us to live in “darkness,” but our God would rather that we are free of such things–so that we might live in the light of his presence, and always be happy! Unfortunately, all of us may know someone who has really struggled with some type of hidden or obvious “disorder” in his or her life. Such people may have great difficulty “making their lives right” and they may seem incapable of freeing themselves from whatever binds them. Some of us may need to be honest and admit that we have personally struggled in just such ways.
The “disorders” causing such struggles may be the result of any one or more of the following circumstances: a lack of faith, an inordinate sense of guilt because of past “sins,” an inability to control personal weaknesses, a lack of control over addictive and/or codependent behaviors, a heart hardened by a life lacking in fortune, an inability to be forgiving of self and/or others, an unending sense of emotional pain, an angry disposition, and the list goes on . . . And isn’t it so very sad when people are so enslaved by such “disorders” that they live in denial, and simply seem content to walk in their own “darkness” without hope for change?
In contrast, our Scriptures today give us very hopeful messages about conversion and renewal! Baruch tells us that “God is leading his people in joy by the light of his glory, with his mercy and justice for company” (cf. Baruch 5:9). In the Gospel, we hear that John the Baptist “went throughout the whole region of the Jordan, proclaiming a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins” (see Luke 3:3).
During these days, as we look forward to the celebration of Christmas, we also live in hope for that day when personally we will meet the Lord face to face! And so we are called to be ready for that day! As we continue our preparation during this time of Advent, let us trust that our God has power over any “disorder” that might otherwise control our lives. Our God promises us forgiveness from our sins, and he wants to free us from all of those forces of sadness and darkness that could threaten to control us.
My friends, let us be confident and hopeful as we contemplate today’s message!
Praise God! Friar Timothy
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