Second Sunday of Advent
Readings:
Baruch 5:1-9
Philippians 1:4-6, 8-11
Luke 3:1-6
Reflection:
We now move to the Second Sunday of Advent, continuing our journey of peace and repentance as we prepare for the coming of Jesus.
Here in New Zealand, we are experiencing a continual change in parishes with more and more amalgamations due to the limited and declining number of priests. What strikes me is how slow we are to learn from the early church, and our second reading from Paul to the Philippians has much to teach us about connecting, supporting and building community.
In the gospel, we have John the Baptist – the forerunner – the one who points to Jesus; the one proclaiming, the one living his belief; the one who is God-centred. In our communities, we have allowed fear central place and been lured to the life of individualism and consumerism rather, than community.
Today, let us resonate and reflect on some of Paul’s words as he affirms and commends his community. We need that affirmation and connection with one another, including the encouragement to believe that Jesus is Emmanuel – God with us.
Every time I pray for all of you, I pray with joy, remembering how you have helped to spread the Good News from the day you first heard it right up to the present. I am quite certain that the One who began this good work in you will see that it is finished when the Day of Christ Jesus comes; and God knows how much I miss you all, loving you as Christ Jesus loves you. Phil 1:4-6
Paul Traynor is married to Clare and has two children Sam and Lucy. He lives in Greytown which is in the Wairarapa Region on the North Island of New Zealand. Paul is currently working as the National Passionist Family Groups Coordinator for Aotearoa, New Zealand.