Holy Gospel of Jesus Christ according to Saint Matthew 3, 1-12
John the Baptist appeared, preaching in the desert of Judea
and saying, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand!”
It was of him that the prophet Isaiah had spoken when he said:
A voice of one crying out in the desert,
Prepare the way of the Lord,
make straight his paths.
John wore clothing made of camel’s hair
and had a leather belt around his waist.
His food was locusts and wild honey.
At that time Jerusalem, all Judea,
and the whole region around the Jordan
were going out to him
and were being baptized by him in the Jordan River
as they acknowledged their sins.
When he saw many of the Pharisees and Sadducees
coming to his baptism, he said to them, “You brood of vipers!
Who warned you to flee from the coming wrath?
Produce good fruit as evidence of your repentance.
And do not presume to say to yourselves,
‘We have Abraham as our father.’
For I tell you,
God can raise up children to Abraham from these stones.
Even now the ax lies at the root of the trees.
Therefore every tree that does not bear good fruit
will be cut down and thrown into the fire.
I am baptizing you with water, for repentance,
but the one who is coming after me is mightier than I.
I am not worthy to carry his sandals.
He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire.
His winnowing fan is in his hand.
He will clear his threshing floor
and gather his wheat into his barn,
but the chaff he will burn with unquenchable fire.”
Change
1. John. John stands as a model of simplicity and integrity. He reminds us that we often clutter our lives with unnecessary things, yet true happiness comes from living authentically and finding inner peace. It is crucial to reflect on our lives and recognize that our actions, more than our words, bear witness to the gospel.
2. Conversion. The central message for this second Sunday of Advent is transformation, change. We must acknowledge that we are imperfect and identify aspects of ourselves that need to change—not only in how we relate to God, but also in our relationship with others. It’s essential to take responsibility for our mistakes and accept their consequences. But it’s also important to remember that something better will grow within us.
3. A path. Real change is gradual and begins with the challenging yet simple step of recognizing what needs to be transformed in our lives. This daily work is often difficult, and setbacks are part of the journey. Throughout this process, we’re called to entrust ourselves to God’s care. May we open our hearts so that God can flourish within us, bringing new life and sustaining hope.
Never forget that something good is on the way! God bless you, be with you and protect you in the name of the Father, of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.
