Newton Basumatari csc –
Readings: Is 11: 1-10; Rom 15: 4-9; Mt 3: 1-3
We are in the second Sunday of Advent, and the word of God invites us to have a conversion of heart to experience God’s love in our day-to-day living. This second Sunday advent candle symbolizes love. And it reminds us that God is so loving and merciful in nature that whoever repents and returns to Him experiences the joy of forgiveness.
In the first reading prophet Isaiah, foretells the arrival of the new kingdom and gives hope to the people by saying that the new king will rule his people with justice, and righteousness shall be a belt of his waist and faithfulness the belt of his loin, and all the creatures and animals will live in peace and love will reign on his kingdom.
Similarly, in the gospel John the Baptist urges people to change their hearts as the kingdom of God is at hand. In both readings, we hear foretelling of the coming of the king. Yet in the gospel, Jesus himself is the new king who was foretold by both Isiah and John the Baptist. The message of John the Baptist to change and conversion of heart should take place every day in our lives. To recognize Jesus and to experience his love we need conversion of heart. In this second week of Advent, we need to identify the areas which need renewal.