ADVENT II [A]: Is 11:1-10; Rom 15:4-9; Mt 3:1-12  

In today’s Gospel, John the Baptizer urges the Pharisees and Saducees to give evidence that they mean to reform their lives so as to recognize and accept the promised Messiah.  He challenges them to repentance, conversion and renewal. He tells the common people, who are filled with expectation that the Messiah will come soon, to act with justice and charity, letting their lives reflect the transformation that will occur when the Messiah enters their lives.

John advises us to "prepare the way of the Lord." Advent season is a time of preparation. Most Christians prepare for the holidays with lights and gifts, cards and good cheer. But the Church reminds us to prepare spiritually.

John’s message puts joy into Christmas. For it is his message that calls us not to the way that Christmas is, but that the way Christmas ought to be. Christmas ought to be free from guilt and self-absorption. For that to occur there must be repentance.

Turning toward Christ enables us to repent.” Evoking repentance is taking the garbage out. The garbage of our sins, stinks up our lives. John the Baptist is our reminder: Repent and let Christ take the trash out of our life. Be baptized! Make straight paths for Him! Flee from the wrath to come! Produce fruit! This is Advent message. The more we turn to Christ, the more free we become from the bondage of sin.