December 7,2025・Second Sunday of Advent (A)

Isaiah 11.1-10・Ps.72 2+4,7+8,12+13・ Romans 15.4-9・Matthew 3.1-12

The 2nd Sunday of Advent Year A is about getting ready in the right way. It is not just about waiting. It is about turning back to God with open hearts and open hands.

While our first Sunday readings and the point for reflection given to us last Sunday focused on the Christians` and all peoples` future, today we are being reminded that the theme about “waiting” goes together with an advice to turn back to God and get ready for the coming of Someone Greater. In our Gospel reading today, we have John the Baptist, the prophet who taught about repentance and who guided people to straighten our path for the coming of Someone Greater than him. John the Baptist taught clearly that he is simply preparing the way for the Messiah, the Christ, our Savior and our King. We have a powerful bible passage from the book of prophet Isaiah in our first reading today talking about the perfect King, a descendant of Jesse, who was the father of King David. This bible passage points to Jesus.  The old ways are ending as the peaceful king will come inaugurating justice and harmony and peace.

Today`s reflection may specifically bring us to the realization that the message of repentance and conversion (metanoia) reinforce peace. The second Sunday of advent in the first place showcases the same promise of the hope and peace of/in Christ. The birth of Jesus in the manger points out to the love of God and His promise of peace to all.

Our second reading today encourages us to be more united in Christ, live a life of endurance/patience, welcoming one another, truly showing that our lives are centered in Christ.  If this season is to be meaningful, a genuine coming of Jesus into our lives both as individuals and as community should mean following Jesus` life from the manger to His growing as adopted Son of Joseph, from the beginning of His Galilean ministry to experiencing a lot of tests and rejection while remaining unmanipulated and confident with the purpose of the Heavenly Father, and from His passion and death to His resurrection.