REFLECTIONS ON THE WORD – 12/5/21 (Sunday)

For the readings, click here: https://www.ewtn.com/catholicism/daily-readings

Blessed Second Sunday of Advent! The Second Sunday of Advent signifies peace, and we can only obtain it when we obey His voice. In our gospel reading, St. John the Baptist entered the wilderness, and it is there that he received the word of God and understood his calling. In our lives, it is difficult for us to listen to Him because we spend our time in worldly things that distract us from His voice. Jesus is inviting us to enter into the desert of our lives by practicing detachment and spending more time with Him, especially in silence. 

According to the prophecy, in preparation for the coming our our Lord, the mountains will be brought low and the valleys will be filled. What is the significance of these symbolisms in relation to the way of Christ? The way of Jesus is the way of humility. Before He lifts us to the mountain of holiness, He wants us to walk with Him in the valleys of humility. Rather than following the examples of the earthly rulers who seek fame, honor, and worldly riches, we should follow the examples of Jesus who, in His humility, was born of a manger and accepted all of the sufferings for our salvation. We should also follow the example of St. John the Baptist who did not seek gaining many followers because he recognized that he was just a voice leading people to Christ, our Savior, who deserved all praises and glory.

Let us turn away from sins in faithfulness to our baptismal vows. Let us follow Jesus Christ by spending more time in silence as we meditate on His Word. Let us be detached from our attachments, so we may have the clarity of knowing His will and calling for us. The time of life is short. Let us have the hope that as we persevere amid the trials in the wilderness of our life, we will find happiness forever.

 Amen +

 

Jesus, Mary, and Joseph, be with us always until the hour of our death. Amen. +

 

May God bless us and may He help us in listening to the Word of God. May He grant us peace as we follow Him amid the trials our lives. Amen. + 

Reflection by: Dominic