Peace of God!

Sunday, December 8, 2024

Second Sunday of Advent

Bar 5:1-9; Phil 1:4-6, 8-11; Lk 3:1-6

The second Sunday of Advent invites us to reflect on the peace that we experience as God’s gift. 

The readings explain God’s peace in different insightful ways. 

In the first reading, prophet Baruch conveys a message of hope and restoration for the people of Israel, encouraging them to put on their strength and confidence in God’s promised redemption. The prophet reminds people of a God who has not forgotten the exiled people but will bring them back to their glorious land and city. Hence, he assumes the role of Jerusalem’s comforter and tells her to remove her mourning garment, for her children are on their way home from slavery. Just as Israel’s mourning will be turned into joy, her situation will change forever from shame to glory. Thus, God’s message to His people is that from a place of distress and misery, they will be brought to a place where they will enjoy peace and prosperity. Through symbolic titles like ‘the peace of justice’ and ‘the glory of God’s worship,’ God’s assurance comes to them that Jerusalem will be forever a place where peace and justice shall prevail and she will receive eternal glory from God. Israel will enjoy peace through her restoration. 

In the second reading, Paul expresses deep gratitude and affection for the Philippians thanks to their commitment to faith. The Philippians have had a share in the Gospel through their conversion, their support of Paul, and their own costly witness to the faith. Hence, Paul’s prayer reflects his desire for the Philippians to be fully transformed by God’s grace, living in a way that honors Christ and brings glory to God. For Paul, a Christian ethical life is the fruit of our relationship with God. It is Paul’s conviction that God, who has blessed the Philippian community with goodness, will also bring it to completion. Paul’s gratitude for the faithful and ethical life of the Philippians is a reason for his peace and joy. 

The Gospel introduces the ministry of John the Baptist, emphasizing the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecy and the coming of God’s salvation through repentance and preparation. The Gospel also highlights the striking similarities between John and Jesus. While John is a voice crying out in the wilderness, calling people to prepare the way of the Lord, John’s ministry is for all, as it will also be true of Jesus. John’s baptism, which is preparatory for the way of Jesus, must be completed by Jesus’ Way (Lk 12:50). John will meet a violent death because of his preaching; a similar fate awaits the one whose path he prepares. Luke’s portrayal closely unites John and Jesus precisely because what John preaches inaugurates the Period of Jesus. As regards John’s message of repentance, we understand that John implies a radical move away from one’s sinful past and turning over a new leaf of moral behaviour. John’s message of ‘making paths straight’ is highly metaphorical in that it may be read ethically as radical changes in a person’s lifestyle to worthily meet with the Lord. Here, the peace of God lies in the newness and renewal in a person’s life. 

The second week of Advent, in which we light the peace candle, leaves behind wonderful insights for reflection and action. 

1. For an individual, peace results from conversion and newness of life. How often do we realize that it is our sinfulness that makes life chaotic and it is our repentance that restores peace? The self is at peace when our life is more ethical, committed, and focused. 

2.God’s peace is more than the mere absence of war. Just as God’s peace is announced through restoration and newness of life, our society can live in peace only when every existing inequality is addressed and justice is established. This is what Pope Paul VI meant when he said, ‘If you want peace, work for justice.’

3. The Bible instructs us that we enjoy peace only as a result of our trust in God. Our movement away from sin and our movement toward God guarantees peace. When we mend our broken relationship with the Divine, the moment of peace blossoms. 

Let us pray that we may find peace in our relationship with God. 

Fr. Dhinakaran Savariyar