Second Sunday of Advent

✠ | TODAY'S READINGS

The readings for this Second Sunday of Advent all contain a strong element of anticipation, the coming of something not only good but remarkably good. Those who had been exiled return to their homes and the Holy City Jerusalem is restored. Saint Paul is filled with gratitude and praise that the church in Philippi has truly embraced the Gospel and continues to grow and flourish. In the Gospel of Luke, John the Baptist makes his debut as the herald of the coming of the one who will definitively usher in the Kingdom of God.

This Second Advent Sunday is also the second to last day of the celebration of Hannukah. Hannukah recalls the recovery of Jerusalem and rededication of the Temple after it had been desecrated by the enemies of the Jewish people. The lighting of the menorah is a reminder of the miracle when a cruet of holy oil sufficient for only one day manages to last for eight days. It is a celebration of what God has done and an anticipation of the continued goodness of God to his people.

Although it has many cultural traditions, Hanukkah mainly retains its religious significance. I believe it is well known that there is a big difference between secular and religious celebrations of Christmas. Advent is a time of preparation to celebrate the birth of Jesus which Christians believe is the Incarnation of God. The secular celebrations are clearly a lot of fun but often have no connection to the original purpose of all the festivities.

Forgetfulness is a very common human experience and many find it can occur more often as a consequence of longevity. Yet, because we may forget something that happened in the past, that does not mean the event did not happen. Advent, its readings and its prayers are indicative of a potent spiritual reality. In fact, it is an opening onto a profound revelation that once experienced has completely changed the course of many lives through the centuries, from the most powerful to the most common of individuals. The secular celebrations may be mostly formed without spiritual substance but they are a testimony to the impact that the birth of Jesus has had on the entire world.

The holiday season festivities that end on Christmas Day may tend to obscure what Jesus’ birth actually indicates. The excitement in the readings is pointing to something. Some people may have forgotten what it’s all about, others may have never known. Once you do know, however, you will never forget or ever be the same again.

Fr. Bryan Patterson 

Catholic Scholar in Residence at St. Francis College

& Rector, St. James Cathedral, Brooklyn