2nd Sunday of Advent – Year A – December 4, 2016

Gospel – Matthew 3:1-12

John the Baptist provides a lens through which Jesus is properly interpreted.
John the Baptist preaches in the desert of Judea – the importance of “desert”
“Desert” = place of simplicity & poverty – stripped down to basics – distractions & attachments eliminated – ability to hear to voice of God
Much of our life is taken away by distractions to avoid the fundamental questions – set those aside and the really great questions can emerge.
We need to find a “desert”
Advent = a desert time – pray & fast & simplify life.
Holy Spirit = is the winnowing fan that will blow away all that is not of God… when we allow ourselves to be baptized in the Holy Spirit and fire.

John the Baptist went out into the desert to prepare the path for the Messiah – the leap from metaphor to reality = path is NOT made on land but in the heart of every man; it is not built in the desert but in one’s life.
How do we straighten a path for the Lord?
What hills must be made low? Pride, anger, revenge?
What valleys must be filled? Laziness, lack of self-control, apathy?
Saint Augustine says, “he who made us without our help, will not save us without our help.”
Repentance = changing in us whatever keeps us from saying YES to God’s will.
Advent = do we come to prayer, to Mass, expecting someone to speak to us? Are you actually waiting?