THE SECOND SUNDAY OF ADVENT, YR A
Isaiah 11:1-10; Psalm 72;
Romans 15:4-9; Matthew 3:1-12
TOGETHER IN CHRIST
The context of the second reading of today was to address the issue of some division among the Christian community in Rome. The Church in Rome was made up of converts from Judaism and Gentiles. Some will feel more privileged than others and it will show in their attitude. Secondly, there was also the issue of those who thought they were stronger in the faith and took things “lightly” and those who were seen as weak and therefore too scrupulous. The scrupulous gave much thought to eating of meat, drinking of wine and considered some days more important than others. But the others thought there is nothing wrong.
For this reason, Paul wrote to them asking the strong to learn from Jesus and bear with the weak. For Jesus who was the strongest of us all bore the reproaches of the many. (Psalm 69:9). He points the Word of God to them, to read and learn from it, patience for the other. He entreated them to be inspired by the Word of God rather than their own sense of righteousness.
In this season of Advent, we are all called to be patient and open to one another. Anyone or groups of people who think they are better than others have the obligation to help those they think are below them. This is what Jesus would do and that is what Paul is calling us to imitate. The church must be a place where all are welcomed in the name of Christ Jesus. It should be a place where we join hands together as we journey on this pilgrimage towards heaven. We must all resolve to have positive attitude towards one another.
Paul says that whatever was written in the scriptures is for our instruction and encouragement. This is true. In scripture we find help and encouragement for our life here on Earth. Do you feel helpless, tired, afraid, whatever your sentiments, the Word of God has a response to your situation. Further, we can use God’s own word to pray to him. God had you in mind when the scriptures were being written. Pope Benedict XVI says that each one of us is a result of the thought of God. He knows you. If you would like to hear God speak to you, read the Bible personally and listen to it together with others in the Christian community. Read it meditatively and prayerfully and you will hear God speak to you through the pages of scripture.
There is also a call to unity of thought. This unity of thought, does not happen in a vacuum but is one that is guaranteed by Jesus’ presence in the hearts of believers and in the community. This kind of unity welcomes diversity and is indeed enriched by it. If a community does not recognise this, if Christ is not the decisive factor for the diversity, then the unity cannot be reached. Our churches must allow it to be enriched by the different tribes and cultures we have. We must appreciate that our culture and tribe in itself is a gift of God and we must appreciate it.
Furthermore, in the church many have their different opinions and ideas. Today, the church suffers from pressure from within and without, to be open and tolerant. But the church can only yield to the teachings of Christ. These different opinions and calls for tolerance can serve as a point of celebrating diversity only when it is done according to the thoughts and teachings of Christ.
The Christian church should be driven by the teachings of the Lord than the ideas of the world otherwise we become like people who go astray and like sheep without a shepherd.
This advent, may we as a community work towards unity in the church. May we learn to be patient with one another, especially those who are weak and poor amongst us. May our diversity enrich our church community. May the Holy Spirit continue to lead us and unite us.
What is your role in promoting unity and love in the church.
God bless you.
By Rev. Fr. Delight Arnold Carbonu
