Word to the Wise
Sunday, December 4, 2022 - 2nd Sunday of Advent - A
[Isa 11:1-10; Rom 15:4-9; Matt 3:1-12]John the Baptist appeared preaching in the desert of Judea and 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. [Matthew]
Back when I was a Dominican student brother (seminarian), one of my fellow student brothers had a small sign on his door. It read: REPENT!*. At the bottom of the sign were the asterisk and the words, "*If you have already repented, kindly disregard this message." Well? Have we?
The emphasis in Advent seems to be in contradiction to the emphasis in our surrounding culture. The "HO, HO, HO!" of Santa seems to have little in common with "REPENT!" Both urge us to prepare, but the Christian season is much more somber. At least in the Catholic tradition, purple vestments and Advent wreaths and Reconciliation Services are featured in contrast to Christmas trees and Jolly Old St. Nick!
For those of us who take advantage of the "parish penance service," it is worthwhile to remember "the firm purpose of amendment" that we promise. The word in Greek that is translated "Repent!" (metanoeite) is the verbal form of metanoia, which means more than being sorry for certain individual sins. It means a conversion of life - a new orientation, not simply a temporary relief from guilt! Repentance is more than saying, "I'm sorry!" That is an important step, but not the whole journey.
The nativity scene with Baby Jesus, Mary, Joseph, Magi, Shepherds and animals can be a reminder that the birth of Jesus challenges us to look at our whole life and make Advent a true preparation for the celebration of what we see in that scene. Repentance, in the true sense of the word, can be a "gift that keeps on giving! " AMEN