December 9, 2018

2^nd Sunday of Advent (C)

“John—A Joyful Baptist?”

Msgr. Thomas Gervasio

Today the prophet Baruch announces that the exile of the Israelites is at an end. God’s people would be restored to their homeland. They will see the holy city of Jerusalem. His is a joyful message that proclaims “...God is leading Israel in joy by the light of his glory...” In his epistle, St. Paul tells us that he prays with joy in his “every prayer.”
 
But then, coming to the Gospel, we encounter St. John the Baptist. We should not be surprised. It’s Advent and the Church has always arranged that he make an appearance! Frankly, he is not someone we easily embrace. He just doesn’t fit into our cheery Christmas scenes. He doesn’t appear on Christmas Cards or in the crèche. I doubt that his illuminated figure would ever appear on any lawn on Nottingham Way. He preaches “repentance for the forgiveness of sins.” We are left wondering where the message of joy is.
 
Strange as it may seem, joy is present. We might say it is hidden in his call to repentance. Repentance is simply the heart-felt realization that I am a sinner. Repentance means having the courage and humility to look at the truth about ourselves. Our ability to say, “I am sorry...It’s my fault...please forgive me” brings us to a freedom and offers us a new beginning. This is the joy that the Baptist offered on the banks of the Jordan. Joy comes when we bring low the mountains and hills of our injustices, our pride, our resentments, anger and self-centered attitudes.
 
How can we receive Christ into our hearts at Christmas, in the Eucharist, if we fail to change our lives, to convert our way of thinking and our attitudes? As Christmas approaches, I invite you to take up the Baptist’s challenge...and as Catholics we have the way...the Sacrament of Penance. Let’s rediscover the joy that comes from a sacramental confession, from the grace and the new beginning the Lord offers us.
 
Admittedly, the longer one is away, the more difficult going to Confession may be. Perhaps it is because we accustom ourselves with remaining the way we are and come to believe that we’re “OK.” It may be helpful to keep two things in mind:
 
The Lord tells us “...there is joy in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner who repents."
We should not be afraid. The confessional is not a torture chamber but a place of mercy and peace.
It’s “ok” to say, “Father, it’s been a long time. I need a little help.”
 
Joy awaits us this Advent! Keep the priests busy!
 
Our desire and determination to repent is indeed the path to joy because truth brings freedom. It sets us on the path to new life. Advent is here. The Baptist is here. Repentance is his cry...Making a good confession before Christmas may be indeed the key that makes this Christmas the very best ever!