December 10, 2023, 12:00 PM

On this Second Sunday of Advent, we continue our theme of Hope. In Advent we prepare for Christ's return. Through Hope we live our lives with the desire for eternal life in Heaven. John the Baptist points us to Jesus and challenges us to repent. He prepared the way of the Lord and calls us to do the same. Our virtue of Hope helps us do just that. Next Sunday’s Readings give us Hope for a future that is bright with promise. We rejoice in our God of Hope and light. I encourage you to reflect on the Readings before Mass. Isaiah describes the joy and salvation which will accompany the coming of the Lord. He announces a year in which all suffering is soothed. We Hope for God’s justice and mercy. St. Paul reminds us to always be ready for Christ’s arrival and to “refrain from every kind of evil.” He tells us to rejoice and to pray without ceasing. On this Rejoice Sunday, our Hope is that we give thanks to God for all the gifts He has given us. In the Gospel John the Baptist stresses that we must make a path for the one who is coming after him. We hear that the Light has come into the world and it cannot be extinguished. The world grows darker each day this time of the year. But the darkness will never overcome the Light of the world, Jesus. He illumines our darkness with His love. Our Hope is that we have the courage to testify to the Light so many more will come out of their darkness and into the Light of Christ. Will we do it? I Hope so! Now you know!