Second Sunday of Advent - Cycle B

Is 40:1-5, 9-11
2 Pt 3:8-14
Mk 1:1-8 (5)

The theme of repentance again is stressed in today’s readings. As John the Baptizer prepared the people for the coming of Christ by proclaiming repentance, so the Church prepares the world for his second coming by likewise proclaiming, and opening the way, for repentance. The Church not only gives the message of repentance, but gives us all the grace we need to live it out. The straight path that has to be prepared in the wasteland, the lowering of the mountains and filling of the valleys, all represent the arduous task of making our own hearts right in the sight of God, and also the task of making the “terrain” of society and culture right with God.

Here, the building of a Culture of Life is central. It is, in its essence, a preparation for Christ’s coming. We make straight the way for welcoming him by welcoming all who are created in his image, particularly the poor, the marginalized, and the unborn. We strive “to be found without stain or defilement, and at peace in his sight” (2nd reading) by being at peace with all our brothers and sisters, including the unborn, and not stained with the sin of rejecting them.