Stop, Busy People!
In his homily for the 2nd Sunday of Advent, Year A, Father Hanly asks us to prepare our hearts for the Coming of the Lord before seeing to other matters this Christmas.
Readings for Second Sunday of Advent, Year A
- First Reading: Isaiah 11:1-10
- Responsorial Psalm: Psalms 72:1-2, 7-8, 12-13, 17
- Second Reading: Romans 15:4-9
- Gospel: Matthew 3:1-12
Homily for Second Sunday of Advent, Year A
Today is the Second Sunday of Advent. Two more weeks before Christmas.
In the past few days, we have been seeing all kinds of Christmas decorations in the streets, display counters in the shops are beautifully laid out, people are rushing to buy Christmas cards in the bookstores, and we are all very busy with our Christmas shopping, hurrying to buy gifts for our relatives and friends. All our preparations during the period before Christmas are for welcoming Jesus Christ.
Brothers and Sisters in Christ, today’s gospel says there is another person who is also very anxious to prepare for the coming of Jesus. Who is he? His name is John, Jesus’ cousin.
John’s sole mission in life is to prepare the way of the Lord. John did not want to buy Christmas cards or gifts for his relatives and friends. He did not browse around or go shopping. But John set the example for us to prepare for the coming of Jesus.
Although the Christmas preparations I mentioned earlier are not bad ideas – they add to the joyous atmosphere as well as demonstrating our care for others – they are not what’s most important. Because during the festive Christmas season, it is easy for us to forget about the correct Christmas preparation for Catholics. So John emerges to teach us/guide us in the proper ways.
John’s teaching is not complicated, in fact it is very simple: we must prepare our hearts to receive our Lord. John seemed to say: Stop, you busy people, return to God, and devote your entire heart and soul to listening to Him.
During Advent, our Heavenly Father desires to talk with us, bestowing on us His wisdom. Do not miss this opportunity. God fears that with our busyness day in day out, when Jesus comes, we might not recognize him, just like the Jews in times past.
How do we prepare ourselves?
According to John, we must admit we are sinners, make atonement, eliminate our inner confusion and insecurity. Pray more, meditate more, seek chances to sacrifice ourselves in charitable works for others. Fellow Catholics, if you contemplate deeply enough, you will find the method most suited to your own background and circumstances to prepare your hearts.
Brothers and sisters in Christ, during this short period of time, when we are all preparing for Christmas, preparing to welcome the Holy Child Jesus, let us consider carefully what John said and prepare our hearts first before seeing to other things. In this way, we will be able to appreciate and receive the true joy and peace of Christmas.
Footnote: This homily was delivered by Father Hanly at Our Lady of Lourdes Church in Hong Kong in 1986.