The Second Sunday of Advent reminds us that, on the one hand, salvation is God’s doing, and we cannot earn His blessings. We are saved by God’s favor and grace. On the other hand, we must cooperate with that favor and grace because God cannot force His bounty or blessing upon us. That is why John the Baptist in today’s Gospel (Matthew 3, 1-12) summons us to play our essential part by leading lives of repentance, conversion, and renewal. It is in this way that we prepare for the Lord’s second coming. We start this process by spiritually preparing for the annual celebration of Christmas, the Lord’s first coming, as we reform and renew our lives by repentance and works of charity. Right in the middle of all of this, however, is the wonderful experience of seeing Him “forever coming anew” into our lives, each and every day.
Let us pray. “God in heaven, the day draws near when the glory of your Son will make radiant the night of the waiting world. May nothing impede us from the joy which moves the hearts of those who seek Jesus here and now, and in the end. We ask this through Christ, who lives and reigns with you for ever and ever. Amen.”
