The Second Sunday of Advent (2024)
“Prepare the way of the Lord.”
In a commentary on these well-known words from Luke’s gospel, the third-century priest Origen reflected, “Is it not a way within ourselves that we have to prepare for the Lord? Is it not a straight and level highway in our hearts that we are to make ready? Surely this is the way by which the Word of God enters…” And Origen continued: “Prepare a way for the Lord by living a good life and guard that way by good works. Let the Word of God move in you unhindered and give you a knowledge of his coming and of his mysteries.”
A beautiful admonition, but how do we discern the good news of the Lord’s coming to us in a world of hashtags and sound bites, in a world of battling viewpoints and clamoring voices?
With all the noise, it can sometimes be difficult to discern what is really worthy of our attention. This is especially true in days when partisan politics dominates our newsfeeds and we try to make sense of senseless acts of violence and terror on so many fronts.
It has become so easy to place blame, to make excuses, and to dig into our ideological trenches, and we have all seen what all-too-often losing sight of the many goods—and lives—that are sacrificed on the altars of partisanship and preference.
There is a real danger in all of this: if we settle for the mediocrity of sound bites and half-truths, without seeking to discern what is truly important, we run the risk of losing sight of the hopes and promises that can only find fulfillment in a life committed to Christ.
While we may not often think of it in this way, Advent is a season of discernment.
We’re reminded of this in the Second Reading for this Sunday in St. Paul’s words to the Philippians: “This is my prayer: that your love may increase ever more and more in knowledge and every kind of perception, to discern what is of value, so that you may be pure and blameless for the day of Christ” (1:9-10).
Building on this theme, the words of the prophet Baruch and the clarion call of John the Baptist that we hear this Sunday remind us of what it is we are called to be and do. John’s s cry of “prepare the way for the Lord” is a charge to discern the Lord’s voice calling out to us in the midst of the noise and clamor that fills our daily lives and to persevere in the way of faith.
Hearing the voice of the Lord in the distance demands action, but this isn’t only an invitation to turn away from personal choices and sins that may limit or even prevent God’s coming among us. John is also calling us to turn toward God’s mercy. And this turning—this reorientation—this conversion—isn’t only about what we give up, it is really about accepting the gift that we are being offered.
The witness of John the Baptist helps us to go forward in our witness of life. His proclamation and his courage in proclaiming the truth were able to reawaken the expectations and hopes for the long-awaited Messiah.
In the liturgy for this Second Sunday of Advent, we are being reminded that these days of Advent demand our attention and intentionality. We are being called to share in John’s humble, courageous witness and, like him, proclaim to the world that we believe in a God who keeps promises.
It is only by entering into Advent stillness and quiet—including leaving behind the hashtags and sound bites—that we can discern the distant voice of the Coming One who brings the mercy and peace which our world so desperately needs.
Almighty and merciful God,
may no earthly undertaking hinder those
who set out in haste to meet your Son,
but may our learning of heavenly wisdom
gain us admittance to his company.
Who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
God, for ever and ever. Amen.
-Collect for the Second Sunday of Advent
