Second Sunday of Advent

Today's Mass Readings

Last Sunday we reflected on how the people of Israel, because they were unfaithful to the Covenant they made with God, were led into exile. We then said that the people evaluated their lives, they confessed their sin and they surrendered their lives to God. Their act of surrender was epitomized in their prayer, “We are the clay and you are the potter” (Is 64:7). In many ways, today’s first reading is a continuation of the story. Finally, the exile is about to end. I would like to suggest that in today’s readings, God presents to the people three things. First, he offers them comfort; second, he offers them a challenge; and third, he offers them a responsibility. 1. First, God offers comfort. God declares the end of the exile in these words: “Comfort, give comfort to my people. Speak tenderly to Jerusalem, and proclaim to her that her service is at and end…indeed she has received double for all her sins” (Is 40: 1-2). For the people in exile the comfort came from the awareness that, after all, God had not forgotten them. Once again, the people experience God in their midst.

2. Second, God presents a challenge. For the people of Israel there begins a second exodus. From Babylon, the people begin their journey back to the Promised Land. Isaiah, with regard to the exiles and John the Baptist with regard to the later generation of Israelites cry out and say, “Make straight in the desert a highway for our God” (Is 40:3, Mk 1:3).

3. Third, God presents a responsibility. After their second exodus, after they have disciplined themselves, and learned dependence, the Lord entrusts them a great responsibility: the nation of Israel itself is called the “herald of good tidings; herald of good news.” Isaiah says, "Fear not to cry out and say to the cities of Judah: here is your God" (Is 40:9).

Thus the question for our own reflection: This week, aware of God's presence in my life, how can I prepare the desert of my life for Jesus; how can I become the herald of good tidings where I am?

- Fr. Satish Joseph