December 4, 2022 - Second Sunday of Advent

In our first reading Isaiah speaks of a day when a spirit-filled King will come who will be a sign that God’s Kingdom of right relationship is to extend to all the world. He will give special attention to the poor and afflicted, and he will restore justice not by the sword but by his words and presence alone. This spirit-filled King we believe to be Jesus, God’s greatest gift of self to us. St. Paul then builds on this idea by emphasizing that not just the Jewish people but the Gentiles too are an important reason why God sent this spirit-filled King Jesus into our world. Let us then “welcome one another” Paul adds “for the glory of God!” In our Gospel passage John the Baptist makes sure we know that he is not the spirit-filled King; but, rather, is the one announcing the King’s presence. “I am not worthy to carry his sandals,” he tells us. “I am baptizing you with water. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire.” John leaves no doubt that this spirit-filled King will be nothing like the world has ever seen! Fr. John Mark Ettensohn, OMI (Homily given by Fr. Jack Lau, OMI)