SECOND SUNDAY OF ADVENT YEAR A
8th December 2019
Isaiah 11:1-10; Romans 15:4-9; Matthew 3:1-12.
The path that leads to peace begins with the acknowledgement of sins and forgiveness. The readings of this second Sunday of advent remind us of the needful, namely the Sacrament of Reconciliation. The joy of Christmas hinges on the heart that is void of resentment and bitterness. The infant saviour was born for the sole mission of reconciling the world. The commemoration of Christmas must involve the act of forgiveness that leads to peace.
The first reading outlined the unique peace that accompanies Christmas. According to it; Then the wolf shall be a guest of the lamb, and the leopard shall lie down with the kid; the calf and the young lion shall browse together, with a little child to guide them. The justice of the Lord will guarantee this unique peace. Justice shall be the band around his waist, and faithfulness a belt upon his hips.
The coming of the Lord which is the advent theme, involves the preparation of confession of sins. We are invited to rid ourselves of every form of obstacle that shield the heart from experiencing peace and gladness. May we have the grace to acknowledge and confess our sins in order to be worthy of welcoming the infant saviour.
Anthony Ekpunobi, CM.
