05 December 2021 Luke 3:1-6
2nd Sunday in Advent
TIME OF REPENTANCE
He went into all the country around the Jordan, preaching a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins (Luke 3:3)
The first Sunday reflections of Advent reminded us that advent is a time to prepare ourselves for Our Lord’s threefold coming; in history, mystery and majesty and thus be an advent person of vigilance and hope for Lord’s coming.
The first reading (Bar. 5:1-9) today presents Prophet Baruch who announces to Israel to be joyful because of the coming of a liberator. This prophecy was fulfilled in the coming of Jesus.
The second reading today (Phil. 1:4-6, 8-11) presents the picture of St. Paul’s reminder to the church of Philippi to prepare for the Lord’s coming by increasing love for each other.
And the gospel (Luke 3:1-6) presents the marvelous advent model of John the Baptist who prepared himself and a nation for Lord’s coming.
John the Baptism prepared himself and Israel for the Lord’s coming through two ways.
BY PREACHING BAPTISM OF REPENTANCE
The external immersion he conducted at river Jordan was only an external expression of the internal conversion he was demanding from the people. Baptism of repentance preached by John has two fundamental aspects; (1) identification of sins, (2) repentance over sins. John wanted everyone of the land to be prepared for the messiah’s coming through repentance. That is why he called Pharisees and Sadducees “Brood Vipers” as they had no intention of a change of heart (conversion) (Mt. 3:7).
BY HIS OWN LIFE AND EXAMPLE
The words of John were as powerful as it drew people from all over Israel, “Then Jerusalem and all Judea and all the region about the Jordan were going out to him…” (Mt. 3:5). As the proverbial saying goes, “actions speak louder than words” John deeds and life spoke louder than his powerful words! This life witnessing of John reflected in three ways:
Austerity and Authenticity: Austerity in the lifestyle of John was seen in his attire and diet. “John’s clothes were made of camel’s hair, and he had a leather belt around his waist. His food was locusts and wild honey.” (Mt. 3:4). All these expressed his simple and devoted life in preparation for Lord’s coming.
Humility: John’s humility is seen in his witness to Jesus on Jesus’ arrival to be baptized by John. “I baptize with water those who repent of their sins and turn to God. But someone is coming soon who is greater than I am–so much greater that I’m not worthy even to be his slave and carry his sandals. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and with fire.” (Mt. 3:11). John pronounced these words when he was at the peak of popularity and glory. John teaches us that humility always leaves a space for God to work miracles.
Zeal: John’s zeal for Messiah reached its peak at the palace of Herod in confronting him for adulterous union with Herodias leading to the loss of his head. As prophet Simenon prophesied about child John, “And he will go on before the Lord, in the spirit and power of Elijah, to turn the hearts of the parents to their children and the disobedient to the wisdom of the righteous—to make ready a people prepared for the Lord.” (Luke 1:17) He was full of zeal for Messiah.
In advent, looking into John the Baptist as an advent model, let us give priority to repentance before we would go shopping, parties and material preparation. A good advent confession and recollection would be the best possible way of preparation for Christmas. Amen.