Homily 2nd Sunday of Advent - December 10, 2023

 Today's readings can be found here.

            Prepare the way of the Lord, make straight His paths.  Advent is a time of preparation.  How many of us have everything prepared for Christmas?  Anybody have all their shopping done yet?  There’s so much we want to do during this season.  Figure out what to get everyone for Christmas.  Find that perfect gift for those on our list.  Of course we need to purchase and wrap these gifts.  We want to decorate our homes, put up Christmas lights and decorations.  Perhaps going out and finding just the right tree.  We need to set the tree up and decorate it.  Many of us bake cookies or other holiday treats.  There are also holiday parties, get togethers with friends and family.  We may need to figure out where we’ll be spending the holidays.  Or perhaps we’re preparing for guests.  So many things to do.

            In my family, my wife makes cutout cookies that she decorates with my youngest son.  She also makes these amazing springerle cookies.  I usually put up the tree and decorate the house.  My mom is busy getting all the fish necessary for our Italian feast at her house on Christmas Eve.  My older son plans a seven course gourmet dinner that he cooks for his friends as his gift to them.  I’m sure we all have similar things going on.  Christmas can easily sneak up on us.  How many times have we said, just a few days before Christmas, “Wow! Where did the time go!  There’s so much left to do!”  It’s enough to cause anxiety for many of us as we get closer to Christmas.

            Our readings today talk about getting ready for the coming of the Lord.  Our first reading tells us to prepare the way of the Lord and to make a straight highway in the wasteland.  We’re told mountains will be laid low, rugged lands smoothed out, and the rough country made a broad valley.  Our Gospel repeats Isaiah’s words.  It also tells us John appeared in the desert preaching repentance and forgiveness.  The people were baptized with water and acknowledged their sins.  John was preparing them for the coming of Jesus in the flesh.  In our second reading, Peter reminds the us that Jesus is coming at the end of the age.  He also encourages us to prepare and be ready, since we don’t know the time of Jesus’ return.

            We all have plenty of things on our lists to prepare ourselves for the holiday of Christmas.  Are we also preparing ourselves spiritually for Jesus’ coming?  We not only celebrate His coming in the flesh, but we’re reminded that He will come again.  Our readings guide us on how to be ready.  Our Gospel and the letter of Peter tell us the most important thing we need to do: repent.  Peter tells us that God wishes us all to come to repentance, so we do not perish.  John preached repentance so our sins could be forgiven.  Advent is a time where we should take advantage of the Sacrament of Reconciliation.  We can relieve ourselves of the burden of sin and be found spotless for Jesus as we celebrate Christmas.

Additionally, we can make a straight path for God.  In our Gospel, John helped others to prepare others for the coming of Jesus.  He removed the obstacle of sin from their path.  Who do we know that have obstacles to knowing Jesus?  What can we do to make the mountains they’re climbing lower?  Advent is a time of giving and helping others in need.  Who in our parish and our community can use our help?  We can assist others by taking a tag on the giving tree.  We can collect food and clothing for those in need.  We can visit those who have difficulty getting out.  We can also spend time with those that struggle with this time of year.

We can especially try to ease the anxiety of our friends and family during this season.  Getting ready to celebrate Christmas can feel overwhelming at times.  Peter tells us the goal of being prepared is to be at peace.  How many of us are at peace right now?  Filled with the peace that only Jesus can provide?  How can we help others to find Christ’s peace, despite the “busyness” of this time of year?

            The people Peter addressed in his letter were getting anxious since they thought Jesus would be returning very soon.  Peter reminds us that we should be prepared for Jesus’ coming, but to be at peace as we await His return.  Our first reading and Gospel also tell us to be prepared.  We should repent of our sins through the Sacrament of Reconciliation.  We should also help others prepare by removing obstacles in their path.  How are we preparing ourselves for the coming of Jesus?  How are we helping others prepare?   Are we eager to be found without spot or blemish before God, at peace?