04/12/2005 - 2ND SUNDAY OF ADVENT - Year B
First Reading Isaiah 40:1-5; 9-11 Psalm 84
Second Reading 2Peter 3:8-14 Gospel Mark 1:1-8
It's easy to think that, "to be O.K", it's enough to obey the two
commandments of the love of God and of each other: those who love God with all
their heart and love their neighbour as themselves are, in fact, near the reign
of God! Jesus, Himself said "all the law of the prophets" (Matthew
22:40) depend on these two commands. But, what does it mean to love God and
one another? Do we really love them? Do we not sometimes, maybe without realizing
it, look for some gratification from God, as well as from each other? Do we
not sometimes think that we have hundreds of reasons to do as we please; yet,
not the bigger reason, to do as God wants? Certainly, we are moved by things
that pertain to us, to our families and our social circumstances, to remember
that the love of God and of one another penetrates us profoundly in each situation
and in each relationship. Here, then, are the Ten Commandments: a complete memorandum
to keep in mind the different aspects of our life. They were written by the
finger of God on tablets made of rock. These concrete expressions, underline
the importance and the greatness of the words, which cannot be erased by anyone.
They are re-written again in the Holy Scriptures, particularly in the book of
Exodus, when this passage is brought to the people of Israel in the desert.
There, the people should have been ready to come to love God, after having let
behind idols, images which, through God, man is capable of creating in his own
mind, and to whom man can give his hearts. We are always tempted by our instincts;
this is why we can easily invent an image of divinity which leaves us free to
do as we please! Here, then, are the ten words (Exodus 20:1-17), a summary of
a scholarly teaching, which others envy (Deuteronomy 4:8) and which keeps us
from being misled by our own thoughts and feelings. These words are great chapters
and they help us to truly live in the love of God and of one another!
Jesus assured His disciples that He would return, though at time unknown and
unforeseen. Today, we are better prepared for His coming because we have seen
how His first, coming among His people, was prepared! This is how: on the road
to communication between Israel and the pagans, John in the desert, a place
where they, too, can hear, recants the most beautiful prophesies and announces
their imminent fulfillment. Those prophesies which were present for centuries,
and so, were believed to be a distant dream, are actually at the door because
He who was sent to fulfill them is already present!
The evangelist Mark, who accompanies us this year in hearing of the Lord, in
few lines, summarizes John's missions. He shows Him as one of the ancient prophets,
because of His clothing, as well as, for the menu of His meals; but, above all,
for the conciseness and assurance of the message. John does not follow the method
of man; he does not allow their influence and habits to effect him. In so doing,
those who hear, and listen to him, will accept his words, as having come from
above, more readily.
He leads them in conversation, thereby allowing them to change their way of
thinking and behaving: "Do not think that God is far away and that the
opportunity of meeting Him is impossible, anymore. He is coming closer to you:
prepare the way, take out the obstacles, for they are the result of your sins,
of your daily disobedience, of your egoism which comes forth in all your actions.
Just as firm as your actions and disobedience to God was, may the steps you
take now, to return to Him, be as firm: let yourself be washed by the water,
lower yourself under the my hands so that all may see how you behave towards
others. The One who is coming is much greater than I; He has much more beautiful
tasks than mine: I will prepare you, somewhat cleaner; He will fill your heart
with the Holy Spirit, with the same life as God's! I am like the one who cleans
the dirt from a bottle; He is like the one who fills it with precious liquor.
I will show Him to you and He will love you as a groom loves the bride, with
a unique and complete love".
The presence and the word of John is consolation for those who, since time began,
await God's coming, in the story of mankind. The poor wait because they are
oppressed from everywhere. They, who have no power in the world and don't want
any power over money, either, await the reign of God. They see John as a sign
and a gift of God, the faithful God who keeps His promises. They flock towards
John, moving away from the temple of Jerusalem: they understand that He is the
voice which makes the news joyful and says: "Here is Your God". They
are not burdened by paying heed to Jesus!
John's message consoles us, it gives us hope, but we still need knowledge, the
Apostle Peter tell us in the Second Reading. God uses knowledge towards us,
but we, too, must be vigilant, pay attention to the daily coming of God, Our
Saviour, and be patient in awaiting the fulfillment of His freedom and salvation
from the daily suffering.
Let us wait, without rushing!