Baruch 5:1-9 / Philippians 1:4-6, 8-11 / Luke 3:1-6

With the entire Church, we are beginning the second week of Advent, our preparation for the glorious coming of Christ and the Solemnity of Christmas.

John the Baptist is a very important character in Advent. The Gospel of Luke speaks about John the Baptist today. He transmits the Word of God, inspired by the prophecy of Isaiah.

John the Baptist's mission is to prepare the way of the Lord, to prepare His people for the fulfillment of divine promises, for the arrival of Christ, of the Messiah Jesus.

John the Baptist speaks of repentance for the forgiveness of sins.

At that time, the quality of the roads was terrible, which made access to the cities very difficult. When an important political authority was going to arrive in a city, the people needed to fix the roads.

Knowing this, John the Baptist tells the people that a very important person was going to arrive and that it was urgent to prepare the way for him. This person is the Messiah promised by God, and the preparation was conversion, repentance for the forgiveness of sins, so that the people could see the salvation of God.

John the Baptist's teaching applies to us, who are preparing for the second coming of Christ. It is urgent that we convert! And we must also prepare our families and friends for the return of Christ. The sacrament of Reconciliation is highly recommended, to receive the forgiveness of sins throughout 2024.

The prophet Baruch, from today's first reading, speaks to us with hope of the end of the time of mourning and misery and the beginning of the messianic time of God's justice and peace for all people.

Advent is a time of hope. In life we ​​have difficulties, often caused by our sins. But we are certain that God is at our side and that He will help us overcome all evil, through our conversion. 

Writing to the Philippians, the apostle Paul tells us today that God - who began a good work in us - will complete it until the day of Christ Jesus.

So we need to discern what is pure and blameless for the day of Christ, with fruits of righteousness, increasing in love more and more.

May we all have a dedicated personal and family preparation during this Advent Season.

Local: Springfield, MA, EUA

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