Homily: 2nd Sunday in Advent, YR A
“Repent! Prepare the Way of the Lord”
by Fr. William Holtzinger
Dec. 5, 2004

We are being called to prepare for the coming of the Lord. The Church gives us this time called Advent so that we can re-center ourselves on the things that are important. We are to be prepared for the coming of the Lord. Yet, we struggle because of the fast-paced nature of our society. The stress can be amazing. In fact, we may not even be aware of the stress our society puts on us during this time.

This past week, I realized that we had a baptism scheduled during the 11 am Mass as well as a special Rite for our teens in Confirmation. This would have extended Mass a lot and made it difficult to manage from my point of view. I didn’t realize how stressed this made me until I tried to call the family wanting the baptism. Without looking at my calendar, I immediately called the family. The husband answered and I hurriedly explained the situation and asked if we could move the baptism to another time. On the other side of the phone there was a pause and a chuckle. He said, “Father, don’t you remember? You already baptized our child months ago.” Then it hit me. I had made a great mistake. I had become confused in my stress and called the wrong family. This is understandable I suppose. However, the family I had just called have been friends of mine for almost 10 years! I should have remembered their baptism. I was very embarrassed and laughed along with them. After hanging up, I looked at my calendar and called the correct family and everything was solved.

This time of year, the Church wants us to see the example of John the Baptist. He didn’t get himself caught up in the frenzy of his responsibilities. He lived very simply. He ate locusts and wild honey. He didn’t wear the latest styles nor worried about what he looked like. He was totally devoted to preparing the people for the first Advent. The Church continues his job to proclaim the Second Advent when Jesus will come again.

So, last week we reflected on what various people are doing to prepare for Christmas. Many of you are involved in the Novena to Our Lady of Guadalupe. Some will be involved in Las Posadas. These are are all wonderful. I encourage you to get involved in those events. I also want to encourage you even more to participate in Reconciliation. The best way we can prepare for Christ’s coming is by seeking forgiveness, by letting Christ wash us of our sins. This week we have an opportunity to do just that. This coming Thursday and Friday at 7 pm, our parish will be celebrating our Advent Communal Reconciliation Services. Come to this most important celebration. Please adjust your schedule to prepare in the most profound way that you can. Let nothing get in the way of this great gift which Christ gives us through the Church. The stress of our lives during this time can cause us to be impatient and sometimes unloving. And the solution is found in Jesus. Let our Lord calm your fears and settle your stress. Through Reconciliation, this can be the best Christmas yet. You might find yourself less stressed and worried. You might find yourself able to love better. You might, as Isaiah spoke in our first reading, find that you will be given special gifts through the spirit. With this spirit you may be given the “spirit of wisdom and of understanding,
a spirit of counsel and of strength, a spirit of knowledge and of fear of the LORD.” Do not be afraid of this Sacrament. The priests will not remember what you have said nor be shocked by anything you confess. We’ve heard it all. Don’t even worry about how to go as we will walk you through the process. Just come and be reconciled with our Lord. There is nothing greater you can do to prepare. Come! “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand!”