Prepare Your Hearts!
In this beautiful homily for Second Sunday of Advent, Year B, Father Hanly asks us to imitate John the Baptist and prepare our hearts for the coming of Jesus at Christmas.
Readings for Second Sunday of Advent, Year B
- First Reading: Isaiah 40:1-5, 9-11
- Responsorial Psalm: Psalms 85:9-10, 11-12, 13-14
- Second Reading: Second Peter 3:8-14
- Gospel: Mark 1:1-8
Homily for Second Sunday of Advent, Year B
Today is the second week to prepare for the coming of Christmas and to prepare our hearts to welcome the Christmas of Jesus. Every Christmas can mean that Jesus is reborn in our hearts in a special way.
In that case, how should we prepare for the coming of Jesus’ Christmas this year? How could we best go about greeting him?
We will know this just by looking at today’s gospel! Just as God sent John the Baptist to teach people how to prepare for the coming of His Son, so today John teaches us how to welcome him.
John the Baptist came out in the wilderness. Of course, according to the history of the Israelites, this place in the wilderness was the place where God often contacted, summoned, and commanded prophets. It was in the wilderness that God gathered his chosen people, the Israelites, and it was in the wilderness that God made a covenant with them. And Jesus went out to preach from the wilderness.
Now let’s reflect on the wilderness from which John came. We all noticed that John was there, a quiet place where one could meet God alone. Now let’s pay attention. Listen carefully to John’s message. His message is simple: Hurry and prepare the way for the Lord. Make his paths straight. John’s words: Repent, turn back, and return to the Lord! Prepare your heart to meet your Lord.
Straightening means to remove all obstacles in life and allow the Lord to enter your hearts!
His speech is so direct and powerful that it makes people look at themselves honestly; they can examine their own lives and have the courage to improve the shortcomings and mistakes in their lives.
Brothers and sisters in the Lord: The meaning of Advent is to prepare to welcome our Lord Jesus and the peace and joy of Christmas that He brings.
So during this period we must imitate John the Baptist, prepare our hearts, take more opportunities to pray, and think about our shortcomings and mistakes. Have the courage to take your responsibilities. Where is our wilderness? It is our heart; it is where we can hear the call of God; it is our quiet place, far away from the colourful world, where we can meet God alone.
If we want to know what is the best way to welcome Jesus at Christmas, then in this place, our hearts, our wilderness, we can ask God; God will surely give us the appropriate reply!
Footnote: This homily was delivered by Father Hanly in Hong Kong, year unknown.