Homily - Second Sunday in Advent Year C 2018

I like that the author of the Gospel of Luke provides the details contained in today’s gospel passage. I personally like details, but even more, I appreciate the historical accuracy provided by the author. We know that Luke was a historian and a doctor, and thus the attention to detail and the precision about people and places. I also appreciate the fact that in this detail there is a contrast between the rulers of the day - those in power politically and religiously - and that of John the Baptist, which emphasizes that the Gospel - the Good News of Jesus Christ - is just not for the powerful and elite, but for all people. Scholar William Barclay further comments that these details emphasize the significance of John the Baptist in the history of the world - that the emergence of John was one of the “hinges” on which history turned and thus the Gospel writer’s use of multiple ways of dating John in history - a sort of bold, underline and capitalization effect. We could even argue: but for the faith and courage of John, these names would otherwise be lost to history. If we jump ahead 2000 years, we still see this focus on titles and roles and jobs in our world. We place a lot of our value and worth in what we do or what we have done. I know that I at times have placed a lot of my self-worth in what I do and what my job is. But as I was reminded on this morning/yesterday morning at our That Man Is You group, we need more men and women like John the Baptist today, amidst the scandals in our church and families and communities, we need more saints who seek God’s love first and are willing to humbly and selfLESSly willing to share this good news with others. I offer to you that today’s readings, and this season of Advent, challenge us today to think not just about what we do or the title we hold, but also to consider what we seek. In other words, what do we seek in our lives? In what, or from where or whom do we seek out that brings us meaning and purpose, joy in life, and peace? In what or from where or whom do we find motivation and even inspiration? And for Christians, the answer is God! Which leads me back to last week's gospel. If you remember, Jesus warns his disciples (and us today) to beware that our hearts do not become drowsy from the anxieties of daily life (among other things) - Fr. John spoke well of this point! This is true: we are consumed too often by the anxiety in our daily lives and cause us to be easily AND quickly distracted from what is most important. But the truth is that our hearts desire more than carousing and drunkenness and the anxieties of daily life. Our hearts desire God. Which leads me back to the Gospel reading from yesterday/Fridays lectionary, in which we read of two blind men who seek healing from Jesus. They asked for Jesus’ mercy and he grants them healing both physically and spiritually. Their faith combined with their pursuit of something more than their current state of life allowed them to not only encounter the powerful love of Jesus, but (really AND) also transformed in their lives, so much so that they could not contain their joy or their desire to share this joy with other (despite Jesus’ stern warning not to). This is what we are called to experience too! Going then to today’s Gospel, the litany of leaders had their own pursuits which were not out of love for God or others, and in stark contrast to John the Baptist who was strong, confident in his calling to love and serve God by proclaiming God’s love and urging others to return to that love. It is in today’s first reading that serves as the rallying cry for us to move closer to that love John proclaimed, to that which our hearts truly desire, to the one thing that we bring us true and lasting peace and joy: the incredible love relationship with God made possible through, in and with Jesus Christ. The first reading reminds us that we are to remove the anxiety, mourning and misery that too often consumes us and be transformed by the splendor of glory from God, which happens when we trust in God with sincere repentance. And then in the Responsorial Psalm, we are reminded of the promise and reward that awaits us when we do: joy and happiness. This week my brothers and sisters, I invite you to spend some time quietly in prayer reflecting on what it is that you seek most in your lives. If you’re like me it’s probably mostly consumed by work and paying bills and providing for family and loved ones. But, even for just a couple of minutes, put aside the anxiety and worry in daily lives to consider what it is our/your heart most desires. And then as you reflect on that, ask yourself also what it is that is keeping you from seeking this incredible gift God is offering us. As you find answers to these questions, I invite you to come to our Penance service next Monday (December 17) and, through the Sacrament of Reconciliation, to be free from those sins and receive the grace to sin no more and to more freely and fully seek the joy and love of our God. I’ll conclude by repeating a prayer found in today’s second reading. Saint Paul is writing from jail and he is writing to his beloved friends, the community he first found success in leading others to Christ, and so there is a very close and intimate love that he has for the people of Philippi. And so echoing the words of Saint Paul, I pray that in this Advent season, as you prepare to experience Christ, especially at Christmas: 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. Amen!