Homily — 2^nd Sunday in Advent, Year C

Fr. Timothy W. Castor

Each year on this second Sunday of Advent, Saint John the Baptist makes his first appearance. He is, of course, the forerunner of the Lord, the last of the Old Testament Prophets, and the bridge between the old covenant and the new. John and Jesus were cousins; yet, even though they were related by birth, their origins and their lives were quite different. It’s interesting to contrast them as an example of how God works out his wonderful plan of salvation.

Both births were miraculous in their own way, but Jesus was born in obscurity to an unknown young virgin who was betrothed to a humble workingman; while John’s birth was relatively well-known and his parents were prominent citizens, respected members of the priestly caste, living in a suburb of Jerusalem. Many friends and neighbors were present when John was born, so unusual were the circumstances surrounding his birth. But when Jesus was born, no one noticed—no one really cared. The angels couldn’t resist singing a chorus of jubilant adoration, but God allowed only a few simple shepherds to witness the event. Everyone knew John was destined for great things, and when he was old enough, he went into the desert to live as a hermit and a prophet. There, he undoubtedly counseled the important people who came to him for advice. And when he began to preach his baptism of repentance, everyone flocked to his remote outpost. Jesus, on the other hand, lived a quiet, normal life for some 30 years in the backwater town of Nazareth. Nobody took much notice of the devout, young apprentice in Joseph’s carpentry shop. When Jesus began to preach, people were shocked. His neighbors and friends took offense, thinking him to be an upstart, putting on airs. Many people thought that John the Baptist would be the promised Messiah. And, when he announced that he was only the herald of one who would be greater than he, the people were amazed. When he pointed to Jesus and said, "behold the Lamb of God who takes away the sins of the world," few could scarcely believe it, it was so unexpected. And yet, we should expect the unexpected from God. Typically, he works in surprising ways to show that he is God—that he is in charge and controls the course of human history. Saint John the Baptist soon faded into obscurity and his cousin Jesus took his place of eminence. Jesus was a far greater preacher and teacher, a greater miracle worker and healer—and ultimately, by his death and resurrection, he became the Savior John could never be. And yet John’s message of repentance was essential in preparing the way of the Lord.

"Preparation" is the particular aspect of John’s work which is emphasized in today’s readings—preparation for a journey. In the first reading, the prophet Baruch proclaims: "God has commanded that every lofty mountain be made low, and that the age-old depths and gorges be filled to level ground, that Israel may advance secure in the glory of God." In the Gospel, Saint Luke, speaking of Saint John the Baptist, quotes the Prophet Isaiah: "A voice of one crying out in the desert: ‘Prepare the way of the Lord, make straight his paths. Every valley shall be filled and every mountain and hill shall be made low. The winding roads shall be made straight, and the rough ways made smooth, and all flesh shall see the salvation of God.’" The imagery is clear and vivid—it makes me think of the interstate highway system here in the United States. I’m always amazed as I travel these roads how entire mountainsides were blasted away and valleys filled in so that the highway could be straight and smooth and level. Both Prophets, Baruch and Isaiah, speak of mountains made low and valleys filled in, but for very different reasons. Baruch says that the way is prepared so that "Israel may advance" in their march of triumph. Whereas Isaiah prophesies that it is the Lord’s coming for which the way is to be prepared. Is this a contradiction? No, both images are true. It is one highway. The people of God march in glory toward their heavenly homeland, while the Lord goes out to meet them on the road, much like the father of the prodigal son went out to embrace his child as he returned from a distant country.

As we continue our Advent journey toward Christmas, as we continue our life journey toward the day of judgment, the question for us today is: what are the road conditions we encounter? Are there still mountains of sin and selfishness which must be broken down? Are there still valleys of ignorance and emptiness which long to be filled with the wisdom and love of God? Is our path rough and crooked because of doubts and anxieties? The Lord is coming to meet us! Will he find a straight path to our hearts? Get rid of the obstacles which block your journey to God and which prevent him from coming to you. St. Paul tells the Philippians just how to prepare for the coming of the Lord in today’s second reading: "this is my prayer: that your love may increase ever more and more in knowledge and every kind of perception, to discern what is of value, so that you may be pure and blameless for the day of Christ, filled with the fruit of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ for the glory and praise of God." Make this your prayer as well, and then you will have truly prepared the way of the Lord.

© 2003, The Rev. Timothy W. Castor