SECOND SUNDAY OF ADVENT

Joy Is Coming

The first reading for this Second Sunday of Advent offers us beautiful words of consolation. It holds promises of hope and joy in the age to come when God will replace our mourning with joy, and we will rejoice that “[we] are remembered by God” (Bar 5:5). No matter our circumstances, we can find peace in knowing that our present suffering is not the end. Our true destination is with God in heaven, where He is preparing a place for us to be with Him forever.

We must also prepare ourselves to be with Him, especially during this season of Advent.

In the Gospel reading, John “the son of Zechariah in the desert” proclaims the coming of our Savior, Jesus Christ. He urges us to repent and turn away from everything in our lives that does not bring us closer to God. The sacrament of reconciliation can help us restore our relationship with God so that we can fully experience His mercy and forgiveness.

During our preparation, Paul also encourages us to increase in virtue: “And this is my prayer: that your love may increase ever more and more in knowledge and every kind of perception, to discern what is of value, so that you may be pure and blameless for the day of Christ” ( Phil 1:9-10).  We should not only turn away from sin but also seek to invite God into every aspect of our lives and share His love with those around us.

Advent is a time when we have the opportunity to examine our hearts and hear where God is asking us to make a change.

Dear God, help us to hear Your voice and respond to You with faith. Give us the courage to turn back to You and trust in Your goodness even in times of hardship.

–Anna Janczak

Send Us Forth are reflections written by St. Matthew parishioners and friends.