Second Sunday of Advent

Today's Readings

When we show up at Church hoping, wanting and even expecting to receive some affirmation and approval, to be told how much God loves us. We want to be told that we’re fine just as we are and we shouldn’t change a thing. After a while, however, that message starts to wear thin. Deep down if we are really honest we know better. We know ourselves and we know our world. We know deep wounds that still hurt. We know the relationships that are struggling and broken. We can recall our words and actions that have hurt another and imprisoned us with guilt. We see hunger, poverty, and injustice but offer explanations, excuses and blame rather than our time, our money, and our efforts. We know that fear can control our lives. We medicate ourselves with that which can never heal us. We search for meaning, something to fill the void. Are we really content with our lives? John the Baptist calls us to reflect on our lives and make changes that will deepen who we are and our relationship with this higher power.

Contentment and complacency can blind us to the life God wants us to have. The real issue for most of us is not that we are bad people but that we are too content living in this box we have created for ourselves. That’s why every year at this time, the beginning of a new year, we hear John the Baptist. We see him before we see Jesus. John the Baptist is the gateway to Christmas. We cannot go around him. We must face up to him, to ourselves and to the One who is coming. “Repent for the Kingdom of God is at hand!” In repentance we turn our gaze to meet the gaze of Christ. That means we examine our lives and make the appropriate changes.

Repent, not because you are bad, defective or deficient but because you are worth it; because you have been created in the image and likeness of God, because God loves you and God is coming. What if repentance is simply about the many U-turns we make to get back on track, the opportunity to change our mind, have a change of heart, and change the direction of our life? That would mean HOPE and not GUILT lies at the heart of repentance. Find the holy discontent in your life. Repent. Look again. The kingdom is right here! Happy Advent.

Fr. Frank Critch, OFM