December 8, 2024: Second Sunday of Advent
Gospel: Luke 3:1-6
In the fifteenth year of the reign of Emperor Tiberius when Pontius Pilot was governor of Judea and Herod was ruler of Galilee of the region of Lysanias and Trachonitis during the high priesthood of Annas and Caiphas, the word of God came to John, son of Zechariah, in the wilderness. He went into all the region …, proclaiming a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sin, as it was written in the book of the words of the prophet Isaiah, … Prepare the way of the Lord. … Every valley shall be filled, and all flesh shall see the salvation of God.
Reflection
Luke’s focus this week is on the career and message of John the Baptizer. Today’s reading exemplifies a bridge that extends from the time before the Christ to the preparation for Christ’s own coming and ministry.
Luke’s initial historical framework is a key element in the interpretation of the actions of God. The historical remembrances that bring John into the story become like a crescendo that leads to John’s message of Christ’s coming throughout the area.
One can imagine an enthusiasm and an energy in this Gospel passage.
We hear John shout out, “Prepare the way of the Lord” proceeded by the call of repentance for sin and followed by words of the prophet Isaiah, prefiguring the action of God.
John sets the stage for the people and for us, a stage of preparedness that includes action that has new consequences. Repent and prepare.
John’s proclamations invite interpreting the actions of God from a Christian perspective. Dethroning, as it were, imperial Rome as key interpreter of human events. The message is that God is for all. Universal salvation for all humanity is a Lukean theme. And within this perspective things will change. “Every valley will be filled, every mountain and hill shall be made low, the crooked shall be made straight and rough ways be made smooth.” All shall see the salvation of God.
Action
In what way does John’s exhortation to prepare for the Christian way resonate with you this Advent? As you recount your own spiritual history to what or to whom are you being led to prepare for? Are you willing to risk change in acting the way of Christ today? What needs to be changed to live more fully in readiness for the Christ Who will come to you this day in the events of your life?
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“Dethroning, as it were, imperial Rome as key interpreter of human events.” That is such a timely statement even today. That is my reflection. Thank you, Barbara, for this.