Advent is a Christian season of preparation and anticipation for the second coming of Jesus Christ. During this season we are called to reflect on our lives, giving ourselves to God completely and to reconcile with our neighbours. On this second week of Advent we light the second candle which is called Bethlehem candle. it´s purple, representing peace. It commemorates Mary and Joseph´s journey to Bethlehem.
Every day during mass a priest says, “peace be with you” . It is a simple phrase, but the words are transformative during a time of stress and anxiety. We are invited during this week to welcome peace in our lives. It is when we accept a spirit of peace that we are transformed and able to embrace Jesus, the prince of peace.
The Second Week of Advent Gospel reading is from Luke 3:1-6. On this Second Sunday of Advent, we are called to prepare the way for the second coming of Jesus. In the gospel we see John the Baptist appearing as a messenger calling for repentance and readiness for the coming of Christ. His boldness and simplicity reminds us of the need for interior conversion. And for us Christians this is a powerful reminder that our life of faith is not only about service but also about constantly preparing our heart for Christ’s second coming. We are also invited to examine the wilderness of our hearts. Where are the rough places in need of smoothing? The valleys of doubt or fear that need filling and mountains of pride or resistance that need levelling?
Advent is a time to reflect on how we are making space for Jesus in our lives, our relationships and in our prayer. As religious, we are called to be like John the Baptist pointing others to Christ through our way of life. This season challenges us to live with more intentionality, depending on God´s grace to transform our hearts so that we can bear the light of Christ the Lord. As we reflect on this passage, let us embrace the quiet work of repentance. Let us open our hearts to the joy of Christ’s coming and prepare the way for his presence in our lives and in the whole world.
Let us pray
We pray for peace in our hearts, in our families, in our communities and in the world at large, especially in the countries where there is war and great suffering. We ask you heavenly Father that you may grant us the peace that we need in our lives so that we may experience your loving presence. AMEN
Prepared by Obrity Hachizumana and Luyando Simoonga (RSHM novices)
