II SUNDAY OF ADVENT - Romans 15:4-9
This year, we have a double reason to be guided and strengthened by hope. Advent is always a season of hope, when we hear the promises being repeated with the assurance that they will be fulfilled. At the same time, we are still in the Jubilee of Hope.
In this Sunday’s first reading, we hear the voice of Isaiah announcing the coming of the Messiah, who will bring peace and harmony among all creatures of the universe. There will be no place for enmity and hatred, because a new world will be established based on truth and justice. The Messiah “judges the wretched with integrity, and with equity gives a verdict for the poor of the land. His word is a rod that strikes the ruthless, his sentences bring death to the wicked.”
The prophet announces that the whole world will be “filled with the knowledge of the Lord”. That’s why “Integrity is the loincloth round his waist, faithfulness the belt about his hips.” (Is 11:1-10)
Christ came to fulfil the promise, but the promise has not yet been completed. Christ initiated the work of salvation, but the work of salvation continues to this day. We wait for his second coming, when we will be set free, and the whole creation will show forth the glory of God.
In his letter to the Romans, Paul teaches that, in the Scriptures, everything was written to teach us about hope. Hope strengthens our hearts so that we don’t give up, being sure of God’s help. By God’s help, we may follow the example of Christ, who teaches us to be tolerant with each other, “so that united in mind and voice you may give glory to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.” (Ro 15:4-9).
John the Baptist shows the way for hope to bear fruit in us: we must prepare the ways of the Lord; we need to follow the path of repentance and conversion. Guided by John, let us
Prepare a way for the Lord,
make his paths straight. (Mt 3:1-12)
