Second Sunday of Advent – Year A
December 07, 2025 – 10:30 AM
Saint Cecilia Catholic Community
Deacon Sharon Kay Talley
Isaiah 11:1-10 | Psalm 72:1-2;7-8;12-13;17
Romans 15:4-9 | Matthew 3:1-12
+In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, AMEN.
As we are gathered here on this second Sunday of Advent, we are called to reflect on the themes of hope, anticipation, and preparation, all aspects of our journey towards the celebration of Christmas.
While we might often focus on the external preparations—-decorating our homes, shopping for gifts, or planning family or church gatherings—today’s readings encourage us to turn our attention inward, preparing our hearts for the coming of the Lord.
Our Gospel today presents us with the figure of John the Baptist, a powerful voice crying out in the wilderness, “Prepare the way of the Lord, make straight His paths.” John calls us to repentance, urging us to recognize the obstacles in our lives that hinder our relationship with God. He is not calling us for a change in our behavior, but a total transformation of our hearts.
Advent is a season that invites us to examine the “valleys” and “mountains” within us.
What are those lowly places where we feel despair, loneliness, or lack of purpose? On the other hand, what are the lofty barriers—pride, resentment, or being unable to forgive—that keep us from fully encountering God’s love? Like John the Baptist, we are called to clear the path and make room for Jesus’ presence in our lives.
Isaiah is a Hebrew name derived from Yesa/Yahu. The Hebrew word Yahweh means salvation. Today’s scripture readings are centered around the message of hope expressed by Isaiah the Israelite prophet as well as Paul and John the Baptist.
St. Gregory of Nyssa believed that the Prophet Isaiah “knew more perfectly than all others the mystery of the religion of the Gospel.” And St. Jerome lauded the Prophet Isaiah, saying, “He was more of an Evangelist than a Prophet because he described all the Mysteries of the Church of Christ so vividly that you would assume he was not prophesying about the future, but rather, was composing a history of past events.
In our first reading, Isaiah prophesies the Lord’s coming and clearly describes the qualities of this promised King. First, he shall be filled with the spirit of God. Second, he will be a man of integrity who will judge with righteousness and equity. Third, he will not only fear God, but will respect all God’s people. To fear God for the unbelievers is to fear the judgment of God and death, which is eternal separation from God. But for the believers, the fear of God means reverence of God and surrender to become a part of God’s Kingdom.
Isaiah reminds us that the future is bright with the Messiah, who is quite different from all other kings as He will bring us peace and freedom from evil and oppression.
Isaiah goes on to tell us that “the wolf shall be a guest of the lamb, and the leopard shall lie down with the kid and there shall be no harm or ruin on all my holy mountain. In other words, if we welcome Jesus into our lives, this will not sound utopian as many believe it does. Unfortunately, too many people are unwilling to follow through with Isaiah’s plan.
In the second reading from Romans, Paul continues along the same line when he tells us, “whatever was written previously was written for our instruction that by endurance and by the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope.” It is this same hope spoken about by both Isaiah and Paul which guides us this Advent season, keeping us united in faith, prayer, and love until what is foretold in the Scriptures is fulfilled on Christmas. Paul tells us to praise God just as Isaiah tells us “The root of Jesse shall come, the one who rises to rule the nations in Him, the nations shall hope.”
In today’s Gospel, the message of hope is also expressed through John the Baptist, who proclaims, “Repent for the Kingdom of Heaven is at hand!” John’s message to us emphasizes the importance of the season of Advent. It is not just about preparation, but rather a time for us to reflect on the mystery that God is about to reveal to the world. It is a time for us to repent and reconcile any loose ends in our lives in order to be able to receive Jesus Christ, Our Lord with a wonderful state of mind. Since repentance, reconciliation, and holiness of heart are the prerequisites for justifying our hope this season, let us rid ourselves of anything that will hinder us from receiving Jesus when He arrives.
As we journey through this Advent season, let us take time for prayer and reflection. How can we prepare our hearts to welcome Jesus not only at Christmas, but also in our daily lives? This might involve setting aside time for quiet prayer, engaging in acts of kindness or service to others, or seeking reconciliation with someone from whom we’ve become estranged.
Moreover, let us remember that preparing for Jesus’ coming is not merely a personal endeavor. We are part of a community, St. Cecilia’s Catholic Community and our preparations can have a profound effect on those around us. As we embody the message of hope and peace, we become instruments of God’s love, echoing John’s call to repentance and conversion.
In this season of expectant waiting, let us listen anew to the voice of God, acknowledging both our need for transformation and the grace He freely offers. Let us prepare our hearts and minds so that when we celebrate the birth of Jesus, we can do so with renewed spirit and hope.
Amen