Homily For Second Sunday of Advent Year C, 8th December, 2024

 

Readings: Baruch: 5:1-9; Ps.126; Phil. 1:4-6.8-11; Luke 3:1-6

Rev. Fr. Emmanuel Emenike Onyia

PREPARE A WAY FOR THE LORD, MAKE HIS PATH STRAIGHT AND HIS PEACE WILL REIGN IN YOUR HEART

In this world we are so busy preparing, acquiring and safeguarding the things of this passing world. But only a few persons are preparing for the future reality of human life, that is our eternal life in God’s Kingdom. Little wonder, the Church for the past seven days now, have been schooling us in the liturgical Season of Advent, calling our attention to the need for us to be prepared and be opened to embrace the coming King, our Lord Jesus, who is the King of Peace that is coming to dwell among the fallen humanity, to save us from sin and damnation.

Thus, today, the Second Sunday of Advent, we are presented with the theme of intensive preparation following the cry of John the Baptist who preached in the wilderness of Judea as he proclaimed a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins: Prepare a way for the Lord, make his paths straight, as we have it in our Gospel passage today.

Also in our first reading, we heard prophet Baruch saying: Jerusalem, take off your dress of sorrow and distress, put on the beauty of the glory of God forever, wrap the cloak of the integrity of God around you, put the diadem of the glory of the Eternal on your head: since God means to show your splendour to every nation under heaven and the name he gives you forever will be, ‘Peace of righteousness and glory of godliness integrity, and honour.

Therefore, as we embrace this Second Sunday of Advent, our focus moves from hope to that of peace where we look up to our Lord Jesus as the Prince of Peace and the Bearer of the everlasting peace and harmony which is lacking in our world today. So, this Sunday we reflect on the Peace that God has bestowed on us through the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ into this world.

But a critical observation of what is going on in our world today, one may be greatly distressed and worried especially as regards the crises of war, protests, secessions and the effects of the current economic hardship. This ugly situation has taken away the peace we are meant to enjoy in this world, as many people are yet to recover from the direct and indirect effects of this terrible and ugly situation in our societies today.

However, amidst all these situations, we are reminded that all hope is not lost, for our Lord Jesus, the Prince of Peace, will surely intervene in our situation and help us once again. No doubt that many people are worried about their means of livelihood, especially those who have no jobs and those who have lost their jobs and occupations in addition to the high cost of commodities. We must not give up or surrender to fear and anxiety. Rather, we should hold firm to the promises the Lord made to us, for in him, we can find true peace and grace to overcome our worries, fears and uncertainties.

 Let us be encouraged by the words of St. Paul in our second reading today where he said. I am quite certain that the One who began this good work in us will see that it is finished when the Day of Christ Jesus comes. Remember, the Day of the Lord may come like a thief, and since everything is coming to an end, we should be living a life that fosters peace, holiness, justice and integrity so that the Lord may find us at peace when he comes in glory.

Dear friends, in the wilderness of this passing world, we are called to prepare a way for the Lord’s peace to reign in our souls. But the only thing that can deny us peace and the fruit of this season is sin, such as unforgivingness, hatred, greed, injustice and immorality. So, what is keeping us from turning away from these ugly ways of life? Why not repent from them so as to embrace the new life of peace Jesus is offering us?

Are we finding it difficult to let go of our ugly sinful ways of life? It’s time to come to Jesus and ask for his grace. Let us embrace the word of God we hear this season and truthfully share it with those we encounter, just like John the Baptist who stood for the truth of his mission and offered it to everyone, whenever and however it will best bring conversion to sinner. This is what we are called to do this season. So, let us be agents of peace in our families, society and the world at large.

LET US PRAY: Almighty God, as we prepare the way for Christ coming into our souls. Give us the grace to turn away from sin and embrace the new life of peace and holiness which Christ is offering us this season of Advent. We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen. Have a blessed and joyful Sunday celebration.