Homily for the Second Sunday of
Advent
“Comfort, give
comfort to my people, says your God.”
One of the things that often gets lost during the season of advent with
the hustle and bustle of the holiday season, is that in the process of running
out getting things ready for our own families we lose sight of those in
need. This first line from today’s first
reading gives something for us to consider as part of our advent
preparation.
The holiday
season can be rough for some individuals.
Perhaps they are struggling financially, maybe alone with no family, or
just lost a loved one. During the
holidays it is important for us as Christians to be attentive to the needs of
others. Following the spirit of Saint
Nicholas of Myra we are called to be generous.
Expressing generosity during this time of year is important because it
isn’t about just giving for the sake of receiving praise for that leads to
ultimately swelling ones ego. Learning
to be generous allows us an opportunity for us to condition our hearts to give
freely.
Mark’s Gospel
for today has the quote from Saint John the Baptist, “One mightier than I is
coming after me. I am not worthy to
stoop and loosen the thongs of his sandals.
I have baptized you with water; he will baptize you with the Holy
Spirit.” It is important for us brothers
and sisters to be humble. This week I
would like to challenge all of us to look beyond our own desires, and I
challenge us to make this a family project to look for ways in which we can
give comfort to those in need.
Preparing a
way for the Lord begins with focusing on our own spiritual growth and
enrichment. Then it is important to
demonstrate to those closest to us the importance and the true meaning of
advent and the Christmas Season. We need
to infect this world with the love of the Lord.
May we look around us during this week for opportunities in which we can
show love and mercy to others so that they too can share in the joy of the
Christmas Season!
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