Second Sunday of Advent [C]

 


2ND SUNDAY OF ADVENT [C]


Are we talking about something good that’s happening for the city of Jerusalem? Actually, the point being made by the prophet Baruch is that renewal can be made to happen for us as well (see Bar. 5:1-9). But it means allowing yourself to be challenged. It means following in the footsteps of those first century Israelites who are joining up with John the Baptist. They are going well out of their way, venturing into the wilderness, gathering along the banks of the Jordan River. They subject themselves to a “fire and brimstone” message, and soon afterwards they find themselves being submerged within the flowing waters. 


It’s a process that will be referred to as a “baptism of repentance” (Lk. 3:3). John explains that his ministry will soon be replaced by a new brand of ministry. This new ministry will include an updated form of baptism, far more potent and far more comprehensive (Lk. 3:16). It will be sacramental in character, and it will be practiced all across Judea, Galilee, Samaria, and it will even spread into the Gentile territories. Those being addressed in our second reading, for example, the people of Philippi, will receive this upgraded version of baptism. 


What makes this baptism so superior? It provides a benefit that can be described as two dimensional, rather than one dimensional. You are being cleansed when you submit to the baptism that John offers. In the case of sacramental baptism, it brings cleansing and it also brings about a new way of being alive. You are already alive, in biological terms. Now, you take on a new status—spiritual life. Biological life carries you only so far. Spiritual life extends itself into the reaches of eternity. 


By way of illustration, suppose that you have just finished washing your car. It can be said that you have done something good for your car. And yet, it occurs to you that you might be able to do something even better for your car. With winter setting in, perhaps it’s time to replace your car’s battery. You’re thinking that you want to go with a name brand. You know that the Die-Hard brand has been on the market for a long time—ever since 1967. It must be a quality product if it can sell competitively over such a long period of time. Furthermore, you like the name: Die-Hard. So you go through with the purchase. 


You’re treating your car by having it washed. You’re taking an even more conscientious step by having it fitted with a new battery—a Die-Hard battery. You don’t have to worry about your car dying as a result of the cold temperatures. It can hardly be expected to die, since a Die-Hard battery has been placed under the hood. Similarly, it can hardly be expected that you will die at the conclusion of your earthly pilgrimage. Through baptism, you have been blessed with a way of life that endures, well beyond the grave. And yet, St. Paul makes it very clear: new life has to be nurtured. If it’s going to flourish, then it has to first of all be nurtured. Note the prayer that he presents: May the good work that has begun in you be brought to its ultimate fulfillment (Phil. 1:6). We know that in automotive terms, a Die-Hard battery represents a source of reassurance. But don’t overlook the fact that your car is still going to require an ongoing pattern of maintenance. 

Popular posts from this blog

Welcome

 These are text versions of the sermons I have prepared for the Sundays of the calendar year. I am a Catholic priest of the diocese of Gaylord (Michigan), ordained in 1997. 
Read more

Second Sunday of Easter [B]

Image
  SECOND SUNDAY OF EASTER  You will find that some Bible passages have a way of explaining themselves. These verses come across as straight-forward. You don’t need any help forming your interpretation. But then you make your way into the First Letter of St. John. Chapter five outlines a series of witnesses; referred to as the Spirit, the Water, and the Blood (5:6-8). Jesus comes to us by way of the Spirit, by way of the Water, and by way of the Blood. Upon consulting the commentaries you discover that scholarly opinion remains divided, regarding this selection. A definitive interpretation has not yet been reached. Generally, however, speculation has leaned in the direction of the Jordan River, with Jesus stepping forward to be baptized.   If you pray the Rosary, this ranks as the first of the Luminous Mysteries. You know that this mystery centers around the symbol of water. You know also that the Holy Spirit becomes visible in the image of a dove (Matt. 3:16; Mark 1:...
Read more

Passion Sunday [B]

Image
  PASSION SUNDAY Because we are in the “B” cycle, this year’s Passion reading will come from the Gospel of St. Mark. Last year, with cycle “A,” we heard St. Matthew’s account. Next year, observing cycle “C,” we will hear from St. Luke. If you are wondering about St. John, we spend time in his Gospel every year, especially during the seasons of Lent and Easter. As for Mark, his Gospel bears a resemblance to both Matthew and Luke. These are called the “Synoptic Gospels,” because they appear to be synchronized around a common body of source material. We find plenty in the way of similarities, but we also find peculiarities---elements that are unique to each of the Synoptics. For example, with regard to Mark’s version of the Passion, attention is called to a particular young man who panics as the authorities come to arrest Jesus. He, likewise, very nearly gets apprehended, but they manage only to grip the hem of his tunic. The unnamed disciple slips out of his garment and runs off into...
Read more