HOMILY FROM CANON STEPHEN BAILLIE
2nd Sunday of Advent B20
The beginning of the Good News
The second Sunday of Advent turns our attention to John the Baptist. John was an interesting individual. We are told he dressed a bit strangely and spent a lot of time in the desert, ‘the voice of one crying out in the wilderness’. Yet it seems he was very popular with ‘all the people of Jerusalem’ went out to hear him. John must have been a dynamic speaker and one in whom people found hope and inspiration. This austerity is presented to us as a preacher in the wilderness. Those who wish to hear him must leave the comfort of their surroundings. They are drawn away from the distractions of their daily existence by a hope for fulfilment. Would that we might also hear and obey the word he offers!
In John the Baptist’s time, the people lived under the oppression of the Roman Empire and were waiting for someone who would liberate them. John points to one that is greater than he, he points the people to Jesus.
When Pope Francis released the encyclical Fratelli Tutti last October, he noted that dark clouds hang over our world and he urged everyone to embrace a spirit of friendship, kindness, compassion and solidarity as we move forward, to help ensure the dignity of every person and a more sustainable world for all. We have certainly experienced a type of wilderness this year as we continue to battle the effects of Covid-19 and find a way forward. Our communities need messengers, like John, who bring Good News, hope and a vision for the future, who point us towards a new way forward.
Once again, we are being invited to be people of hope and courage, accepting of God’s willingness to step into our lives and lead us towards our true home! Whatever our problems in life, we have a right to be joyful and to celebrate ‘Emmanuel – God is with us.’ As we prepare to welcome Christ into our lives once more, let us make the most of this advent time, the most of this waiting time. May we use this space to reflect on what type of world can be born out of this wilderness we find ourselves in. May we reach out to those who are crying out for hope during these difficult months, like John the Baptist, offering a positive vision for the future
