SECOND SUNDAY OF ADVENT

READINGS AT MASS

Isa. 11:1-10

Psalm 72

Rom. 15:4-9

Mtt. 3:1-12

Theme: FAITH

Dear friends in Christ, N'wokafu YESU KRISTO...

On this second Sunday of Advent, we light the second candle (purple in color) on our Advent wreath. This candle represents Faith. The liturgy of this second Sunday of Advent challenges us to persevere in faith. 

Faith is very important for anyone waiting for the object of his or her hope from God. Waiting can be very frustrating at times. We can all wait for a few hours or a couple of days, but it takes a man or woman of faith to wait for years and keep waiting even when his or her hopes seem to have been dashed by the apparent improbability of what he or she is waiting for.

In our First Reading, the prophet (Isaiah) used the imagery of a "shoot from a stump" to paint a vivid and an encouraging picture of what God can do with a squashed hope. The prophet speaks of the promised Messiah who will spring from a squashed hope (a shoot from the stump of Jesse). 

The people had hopes for a better future, a glorious Davidic kingdom. But now all that was left after the Assyrian invasion and destruction was a "stump" - a hopeless remnant. (Is. 6:13). Hosea (the prophet) described these remnants (the root) of the former kingdom as "dried up" and never to bear fruit again (Hos. 9:16). But the steadfast love of the Lord never ceases (Lam. 3:22). He will cause a shoot to spring from that hopeless stump of Jesse. God promises to raise up a deliverer out of this bleak and desperate situation. 

Beloved in Christ, God is steadfast, and His ability is unhindered by time or the perceived impossibilities of men. He is able to generate a new tree from an old stump. Perhaps you have also waited for a long time for God's intervention in your situation and nothing has happened. Maybe your little hope has been stifled by recent events. On this second Sunday of Advent, be encouraged to kindle your faith as you wait. A man who waits on the Lord must have a deep faith in Him. 

PRAYER

Almighty God may our faith in you be strengthened so that no earthly undertaking may hinder us as we set out to meet your Son. Amen.

May God bless you.

-Fr. Kenneth Debre

Sunday, December 4, 2022.

Holy Rosary Parish, Hohoe.