Introduction
Still in the spirit of expectancy, waiting and preparation the season of Advent evokes. The first reading (Is11:1- 10) excites our sense of expectancy, the second reading (Rom15:4-9) encourages hope and steadfast waiting, while the Gospel reading (Mt3:1-12) urges us towards preparation. In other words, we are presented with remote and proximate prophecies of the advent of Christ in the first and gospel readings respectively. While the second reading invites us – amid life’s challenges, to a lively hope and steadfastness engendered by the encouragement Scriptures offer.
Expectancy
In the first reading, Isaiah, a pre-exilic prophet, foretells the future collapse of the Davidic dynasty and its eventual restoration in the days of the Messiah who will be filled with the fullness of the Holy Spirit and His sevenfold gifts. In this fullness thereof, the Messiah would bring about right judgement, peace and harmony among all creatures, a theme accentuated in today’s responsorial psalm “in his days shall justice flourish, and great peace forever” (Ps. 72: 7). Hence, it naturally would follow that, all nations shall seek Him and His dwellings. Worthy of mention, however, is the fulfilment of this remote prophecy, with particular reference to the long intervening period between the fall and rise of the Davidic dynasty. We would recall in 2Sam7:16, wherein God promises to establish the throne of David forever.
Who could have imagined its appearent collapse for over a period of four hundred years, a dilation of time also evocative of Israel’s sojourn of slavery in Egypt (Ex 12:40- 41)? Thus, when all hope, from the human comprehension of things seems lost, God continues to work silently, unnoticed at background. We are encouraged to trust and hope in God at all times, despite the odds, because He never fails. Yet the question remains: Am I willing to persevere? Jesus remarks, “…When the Son of man comes will he find faith on earth?” (Lk18:8).
Waiting, … perseveringly
To foster an unshakable hope in God, St Paul in the second reading, advocates reading of the Scriptures and garnering strength and encouragement therein from the concrete examples of how God comes to the aid of those who do not lose hope. It is worth noting that the Church grants a plenary indulgence, under the usual conditions, to any faithful who devoutly reads the Sacred Scriptures for at least thirty minutes. This indulgence can be gained each day of the year! (Cf. The Enchiridion of Indulgences). In other words, the reading of Sacred Scriptures brings about an harmonious living with one another in Christ, it is a sure and valid way of preparing for Christ’s advent.
Preparation
The theme of preparation stand out in today’s Gospel reading. It unfolds with the appearing of the prophet whose pristine mission is to prepare the way of the Lord, in the spirit and power of Elijah (cf Lk1:17), namely John the Baptist. He is the “Voice” that prepares the way for the Word incarnate. He fulfils in himself the anticipated return of the prophet Elijah (cf. Mal3:1; Mal4:5-6; Mt11:14). Hence, we see him clad in similar garbs like Elijah (cf. 2kings1:8); and his ministry at the waters of the Jordan is reminiscent of the healing of Naaman through Elisha who also possessed the spirit of Elijah (cf. 2Kings5:1ff ; 2Kings 2:15). At the core of John’s message is a clarion call to repentance – metanoia – the distinctive feature of his baptism (cf Mt3:11) intended to presage Jesus’ baptism with the Holy Spirit and fire. Thus, the first step to this preparation is repentance, turning away from sin and turning towards God. This preparation, inherently, also entails sacramental confession of sins. We are invited to frequent confession of our sins; living in the state of grace, bearing fruits worthy of repentance; and living in peace and harmony with one another in Christ.
Conclusion
We conclude with the admonition of St. Francis of Assisi, who near the end of his life would charge his Friars, “Let us begin again, for until now we have done nothing.” Repentance is a lifelong venture – a continual “yes” to the will of God. As we preparingly await in expectation the coming of Christ, let us make our own the opening prayer (Collect) of today’s Mass that no earthly undertaking may hinder our admittance into the eternal company of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. May our Blessed Mother, Mary ever-Virgin, model of all Christian virtues, continue to intercede for us now and always. Amen.
• Friar Ikechukwu Monyei, OFMCap.Delegate of the Regular Superior, St. Joseph Husband of Mary Friary, Apapa, Lagos and Chaplain Sacred Heart College Apapa, Lagos.
