Second Sunday of Advent

Readings of the day: RB 57

Mass: Isaiah 40:1-5, 9-11; Resp. Psalm 85; 2 Peter 3:8-14; Mark 1:1-8

John the Baptist - Chartres Cathedral

Prepare the way of the Lord, make straight his paths:

all flesh shall see the salvation of God.

ALLELUIA.

Welcome to the Second Week of Advent!

NB. Musings abound this glorious day…proceed at your own risk.

 A

The season of Advent is meant to rouse us from slumber—still a bit groggy? If so, heed the voice of one crying out in the wilderness: ‘Prepare the way of the Lord, make straight his paths!’ This is the Baptist proclaiming a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins. We might also heed the words of St Benedict, who, early in the Rule, pronounces: ‘Let us get up, at long last, for the Scriptures rouse us when they say: It is high time for us to arise from sleep (Rom 13:11). Let us open our eyes to the light that comes from God, and our ears to the voice from heaven that every day calls out this charge: If you hear his voice today, do not harden your hearts’ (Ps 94[95]:8). (RB Prol. 8-10).

Sleep still in your eyes? Why not break out song:

Wake, O wake, and sleep no longer,

For he who calls you is no stranger;

Awake God’s own Jerusalem!

Here the midnight bells are chiming

The signal for his royal coming:

Let voice to voice announce his name!

If we’re not quite there yet, herewith with wisdom from Alfred Delp (1907-1945, German, Jesuit priest, philosopher, hanged for high treason): ‘Humans must let go of all their mistaken dreams, their conceited poses and arrogant gestures, all the pretenses with which they hope to deceive themselves and others. If they fail to do this stark reality may take hold of them and rouse them forcibly in a way that will entail both anxiety and suffering…Life only begins when the whole framework is shaken’ (Prison Writings).

Dear friends, the Lord is patient. Through him, with him, and in him mercy abounds. He does not want us to perish; rather, our Lord wishes us to come to repentance. The living and true God gives comfort, comfort to his people. Like a shepherd he feeds his flock; in his arms he gathers the lambs, carrying them in his bosom, and leading the ewes with care.

Zion hears the sound of singing;

Our hearts are thrilled with sudden longing:

She stirs, and wakes and stands prepared.

Christ, her friend, and lord, and lover,

Her star and sun and strong redeemer—At last his mighty voice is heard.

BE EAGER TO BE FOUND WITHOUT SPOT OR BLEMISH BEFORE HIM,

AT PEACE. 

MARANATHA.