Sunday – 2nd Week of Advent C

In the First Reading from Baruch, we are reminded that Jerusalem, once in mourning and desolation, is called to don the splendor of glory; “Put on the splendor of glory from God forever,” the prophet asserts. This image invites us to consider how we, too, can transition from sadness to joy, from doubt to confidence through the mercy and grace that having a relationship with our Lord has brought into our lives. Our psalm echoes this sentiment: “The Lord has done great things for us; we are filled with joy.” Indeed, when we reflect on our lives and see how God has been with us through our trials, we cannot help but rejoice in His tender and meticulous care for our soul and even our material needs.
Both the prophets Baruch and Isaiah who preceded him speak of leveling the mountains and filling the valleys. Baruch’s exact quote is, “For 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.” The reason Baruch gives for levelling mountains and filling out valleys is so that Israel may proceed on its journey, but what does that levelling and filling out mean if not getting rid of any impediments that block us from being united to God—ie., getting rid of our sins? Therefore, the greater meaning of these words through these biblical images remind us that God desires a straight path into our hearts—to not prevent him from coming in. As we read in the Book of Proverbs: “My son, give me your heart, and let your eyes observe my ways” 23:26.
Taking the imagery even further, “mountains” within this context, symbolize pride and obstacles, while “valleys” represent our lows— our despair and desolation, mainly due to our worries and the effects of our sins. God asks us to reflect: What mountains of pride need to be lowered within us? What valleys of fear, anxiety, or sin need the healing touch of God's love?
As we approach John's message in the Gospel, we find ourselves confronted with the urgency of his call in the wilderness. “Prepare the way of the Lord, make straight his paths.” Again, this isn't merely a metaphor for physical preparation; it compels us to assess our spiritual landscapes. Are we, in our daily lives, clearing the way for God's grace to enter? Of course, preparing for an emergency is prudent and wise, for one just never knows when things like food, shelter, clothing and other necessities will be needed and it is always a good idea to have these stored in a safe place, just in case. However, the readings are asking us to go deeper.
John’s proclamation of repentance illuminates what is necessary: It’s not merely about waiting passively for God to act; it’s an active engagement of the heart and spirit. Repentance entails recognizing our missteps and choices that may have blocked God’s grace. To repent means to turn toward God – to open our hearts wide and allow His love to pour in through the daily lessons in humility which will allow us to make the collective journey with God, and with each other. And we must always keep in mind where we’re heading. We’re not wandering out in the desert aimlessly without a destination. We are heading home—our heavenly abode with Him who has loved us from the beginning and who will continue to always love us, no matter what.
In our second reading from the Letter to the Philippians, Saint Paul expresses his deep prayer for the community, longing that their love may increase. This increasing love leads to discernment, to see what is truly valuable. Walls of unkindness, prejudices, or fears can block the incredible work God wishes to do in our lives and our communities. We must ask ourselves: What can we do to make our hearts and our world more hospitable to His grace? Again, how can we flatten those mountains of pride and rise up from our lower and corporeal appetites which are often involved in dragging us down? Too much food. Too much music and noise. Too much money.. (okay perhaps for most of us this last one isn’t an issue)… but I’m sure you understand what I am saying: excessive attachment to anything will create valleys of despair in our lives. God wants us to fill in those valleys by extending our gaze outwards to others and making our lives more about service. What is my contribution? That is a question I should be asking myself daily.
To make it easier for God to reach us, we can begin by fostering an attitude of humility, therefore. It involves acknowledging our need for God’s mercy and grace. Apart from being of service to others, we must also cultivate practices that open our hearts: prayer, and sincerely seeking reconciliation in our relationships. Each small act can fill valleys of hopelessness and reduce the mountains of our pride. Pride is what caused Lucifer and a third of the angels to follow him right out of heaven. Pride is often lurking beneath any sin we commit, including the sin of not forgiving, communicating, or having compassion for the struggles of others. Pride strips an individual from God’s protection against evil. Pride makes us vulnerable to not withstanding the assaults of the spirits of arrogance, conceit, selfishness, and many other demon-like qualities which are part of daily temptations. This is why Saint Paul continually and beautifully invites us to “put on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make no provision for the flesh, to gratify its desires” Romans 13:14. Christ was humble and meek, a servant to all, but most importantly—in constant contact with the Father. He prayed. He prayed a lot. He loved communicating with the love of his life and showed us how we ought to do the same. A person who does not pray is like a soldier sent out into the battlefield without armour and weaponry.
As we move into this second week of Advent, may we more wholeheartedly make straight the paths for the Lord to get to us. Make a good confession now. Do not wait until Christmas, for a prisoner who is offered freedom, never waits and procrastinates. Let us create space in our lives for God to act—through our prayers, our charitable actions, and by being peacemakers in a world too often divided.
You know who is with you: Mary, Mother and Queen, you always provided God with an open door to your heart and continually pondered his mysteries and his goodness therein. Make our hearts pure like unto thine, and generous in ways that are most pleasing to the God whom you contemplate even now, there in our heavenly homeland where you await us with the eager kind of love that only a mother can appreciate. Give us the grace to place Him and his Kingdom above all else, as we make straight his path, right into our hearts. Queen of Angels, pray for us who have recourse to thee, and acquire for us a blessed second week in Advent. Amen.