Nobody can get in your way!

Greetings on this the Second Sunday of Advent

Readings: Bar 5:1-9; Ps 126:1-2, 2-3, 4-5, 6; Phil 1:4-6, 8-11; Lk 3:1-6

Greetings at the Door (OCIA Rite of Acceptance)

There are inquirers here, who during the past months have heard the living God proclaimed, and they have encountered Jesus Christ, sent for the salvation of all. As a result of this initial conversion, they have begun to change their lives, and be transformed in the life of Christ. Today they come seeking entrance into this faith community, where they wish to continue to grow as disciple of the Lord. We give thanks to God for them, as they seek begin the Catechumenate period of their faith journey.

Summary

Today is a marvelous day for people becoming Catechumens – being recognized for their journey of seeking baptism, confirmation and First Holy Communion. We celebrate also those who are already baptized in the Rite of Welcoming the Candidates who seek to complete their Christian initiation through the sacraments of confirmation and Eucharist. They are all on a journey seeking closer union with the Lord and in His Church.

Reflection

The readings of the Second Sunday of Advent couldn’t be more perfect for today’s rite because Nobody can get in your way!

Think about it. All these powerful men are listed in our gospel portion. Partly to set the historical reference (the WHEN of the Christ). But mostly to set the limits of these earthly powerful men. There are many powerful people indeed: Caesars, Governors, and Tetrarchs. But it is John the son of Zechariah living in the desert who was given the task and honor of proclaiming the way of the Lord. None of these powerful men can get in the way of the Lord calling you or you calling out to the Lord.

• There is no mountain that can stop you.
• There are no age-old depths and deep gorges that can stop you.
• Even if the journey can be difficult at times the psalmist reminds us to keep our eyes on the prize of Salvation and relation with the Lord Jesus Christ.

Although they go forth weeping,
carrying the seed to be sown,
They shall come back rejoicing,
carrying their sheaves.

Let Us Pray

And this is our prayer: that your love may increase ever more and more  in knowledge and every kind of perception,  to discern what is of value, so that you may be pure and blameless for the day of Christ,  filled with the fruit of righteousness  that comes through Jesus Christ  for the glory and praise of God.

Know the whole Church prays for you and shares in the joy of your journey!

Sacred Readings Full text: https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/120824.cfm

Peace be with you,

Deacon Gerry