Second Sunday of Advent (Year A)
In the Gospel today (Matthew 3:1-12), we meet the first prophet of Advent, Saint John the Baptist. John calls for radical change in the lives of his community and asks the people to let go of their pasts by immersing themselves in the living waters in anticipation of the arrival of the Messiah. Next to this call of the Baptist, we hear the words of Saint Paul to the Romans (Romans 15:4-9), inviting us to come together in Christ, who welcomes us into his heart, both fulfilling the promises of the past and creating a new path into the future. As we prepare for Christmas, what obstacles keep us from being welcoming to others? How can we avoid them? This Advent season invites us to examine our past so that we may rejoice in the future made present in the Lord of the Gospel. (Liturgy.com / Image licensed through SkitGuys.com)
