Second Sunday of Advent - Cycle C
December 9, 2012
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Opening Prayer
First Reading: Baruch 5:1-9
Psalm: 126:1-6
Second Reading: Philippians 1:4-6, 8-11
Gospel Reading: Luke 3:1-6
- This Sunday’s gospel for the Second Sunday in Advent takes place at the Jordan River where John the Baptist is preparing the people for the coming of the Messiah. Based on the historical data given us by Luke (verses 1-2), it is around A.D. 27-29.
- John’s appearance and message (see also Matthew 3) brings to mind that of Elijah the prophet in the Old Testament (2 Kings 1:8). In fact, John is considered the last of the Old Testament prophets, predicted in Malachi (3:23-24) and later confirmed by Jesus (Matthew 17:10-13).
- In applying the prophecy of Isaiah to himself (verses 4-6; Isaiah 40:3-5; John 1:23), John recalls to his listeners the promises of the Messianic Kingdom found in Isaiah chapters 40 to 45, and thus prepares them for the Messiah, Jesus, who is about to come into their midst.
QUESTIONS:
- Luke is very careful to note the exact historical conditions surrounding the proclamation by John the Baptist of Jesus’ coming (verses 1-2). Why is this important? How does it show that God is active in history—then and now?
- What was John proclaiming (verse 3)? What type of baptism is he preaching and how does it differ from sacramental baptism, established by Christ (see Luke 3:11; Matthew 28:18-20; Acts 2:37-38, 19:3-5)? What does Christian baptism do?
- In the context of your Christian relationships (such as family, neighbors, or parish), what does it mean to love “with knowledge and every kind of perception” (see 2nd Reading)? What are some of the “fruits of righteousness” you can expect to experience? (Hint: Look up Gal 5:22–23.)
- What does it mean to “Prepare the way of the Lord, make straight his paths” (verse 4)? What is the “way” and “path” of the Lord as he comes into your life—the valleys and the hills (verse 5)? How are they crooked and unlevel? Have we allowed mountains to rise up that block our path to God? Have we created mountains in our lives that keep God from reaching us? Do these mountains of ours block others from reaching God?
- How can you prepare the Lord’s ways and paths in your life this Advent in preparation for Christmas?
- What does John mean when he says “all flesh shall see the salvation of God” (verse 6)? How has this been fulfilled in Jesus Christ (see Ephesians 2:11-20)?
Catechism of the Catholic Church: §§ 522-524, 678, 715-720
Do not lose courage in considering your own imperfections, but instantly set about remedying them—every day begin the task anew. –St. Francis de Sales