Reflection on the Readings for the Second Sunday of Advent, 08 Dec 2024:

Baruch 5:1-9: Philippians 1:4-6,8-11; Luke 3:1-6

The Second Sunday of Advent is sometimes called the Sunday of Peace. Peace is based on goodwill, accountability and trust – within ourselves and our communities.

When we face difficulties, sorrows or concerns in our lives, we might tend to despair, but though God’s Glory, we are invited to prepare ourselves and become people of integrity whose light and splendour is clearly visible.
The song “Valley of Sorrows” comes to mind, where it says: “A new chapter begins in the valley of sorrow, where dreams are born from the dust of tomorrow” and “From ashes and dust, we will renew for the light of salvation guides us through”.

The picture of a valley or a mountain that has to be overcome is often used for obstacles in life. As people of the Resurrection and of Hope, we can build on the trust that God is at our side and that we will be able to overcome any obstacles.

God has dominion over mountains and valleys – there are no obstacles for God.
God never forgets us. We are called to work for justice, mercy and peace. Only when we turn around and live a life of integrity can we spread our light and share it with our sisters and brothers.

We are in the hands of God – we can’t demand that we always prosper, but when we do, we need to be aware that everything is a gift from God.

We can gain or lose our fortunes. When we seem to be on the winner’s side, let us be grateful to God. If we seem to be on the loser’s side, let us not despair. Through God our “tears will reap with cries of joy”. What a wonderful image: tears and cries that we might consider to be born out of sorrows will lead to an overwhelming sense of joy which turns the emotional signs of  tears and cries to true expressions of joy.  

For God, nothing is impossible. Obstacles that seem to us permanent, like mountains and valleys, can be turned into pathways through the power of God. God is leading the joy and invites us to be the light of “God’s Glory”. There are no boundaries for God. Our baptism of repentance leads to the forgiveness of sins.

Advent is a time of preparation, but also a time of trust in God that we are not forgotten and that the Glory of God is shown in how we show mercy and justice to one another.

BM