By the Faithful Disciple
GROW AS A DISCIPLE
On this second Sunday of Advent, when the hustle and bustle of the season is already upon us, I find Paul’s words in his Letter to the Philippians very comforting. He says he is confident “that the one who began a good work in [us] will continue to complete it until the day of Christ Jesus.” Jesus will continue to be our Advocate and our Rock until the day he comes again. Yes, these are comforting words, indeed. But we know that being a disciple of Christ requires our cooperation and our daily assent to doing God’s will. How do we know God’s will for us? In his letter, Paul goes on to pray that our love may continue to increase in knowledge and perception “to discern what is of value.” In other words, if we are going to be able to choose what is good, we must be able to recognize it and then focus on it.
GO EVANGELIZE
This is where “the voice of one crying out in the wilderness” speaks to us during this season in which we prepare for Christ’s coming. It is a season of hope and anticipation, but it also must be a season of preparation. In today’s Gospel, the proclamation of John the Baptist takes center stage; he proclaims a “baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins” and says to “prepare the way of the Lord.” These words do not suggest passivity – waiting patiently for the Lord to come. They suggest action: Repent. Prepare. Make straight his paths. Today let us consider how we can prepare for the Lord’s coming in our own lives. God has made us good, and he wants to bring that goodness to completion. As we continue in this Advent season, let us stay focused on recognizing and choosing “what is of value” in our lives so that we are able to truly rejoice that the Lord draws near.
SING:
Dear Savior, haste Come, come to earth Dispel the night and show your face and bid us hail the dawn of grace.