St. Mary's Catholic Church of Tomahawk, WI

Dear Brothers and Sisters:

We are in the second week of Advent where the first reading focuses on the promise of peace by God to the people of Israel. It tells us about the renewal of hope in the covenantal promise God made to David’s royal house that a shoot shall sprout from that stump. He will be the Davidic leader upon whom the Lord’s spirit shall rest. Several images from the animal kingdom are provided to describe the transformed state of the world filled with tranquility. What is our role in establishing peace and tranquility?

The second reading extends the theme telling the believers to abide in harmony with one another. It is an invitation to move into the realm of action to participate in the moral vision of God. It indicates to embrace two practices or habits of heart, endurance and encouragement. How do we consider these two habits? Abiding with them in hope they give rise to harmony and unity. Do we willfully choose to remain faithful to Christ, especially in the face of adversity?

The Gospel is an invitation to repentance, where John the Baptist appears as engaged in public ministry prior to Jesus. He embodies the voice anticipated by the prophet Isaiah, to prepare the way of the Lord. Though he anticipates resistance and suffering in his path, still he boldly and candidly preaches the message entrusted to him. How do we wish to prepare the way to the Lord in our hearts? Are there any areas to repent?

Fr. Aloysius Royan Anthony