Saint Paul instructs us in his Letter to the Romans: "Welcome one another, then, as Christ welcomed you." Whenever tragedy takes place we can see how this precept is put into motion. Tragedy effects so many people yet chances are that we will not know those who have been effected. There were those effected by the attacks on our nation on September 11th, those effected by earthquakes that have left their homes in shambles, and most recently for us those who have lost their home or job due to the wildfires that took place on Monday.
In all of these scenarios people jump at the opportunity to give assistance. We desire to assist others who we do not know because we see their need and desire to respond to it. Christ therefore welcomes all of us here. None of us are perfect and yet He calls us to encounter His mercy. What we receive here must be extended to all people. Yet again Saint Paul instructed: "Welcome one another, then, as Christ welcomed you."
Throughout the history of Sacred Scripture we see the coming of the prophets who are to foretell the need for repentance and conversion. Prophets are rejected and put to death. In our Gospel we encounter John the Baptist who sets out preaching a message of repentance which will ultimately lead to his death. Christ preaches a message of repentance and salvation and yet He too is put to death upon the cross.
As we embark upon this second Sunday of Advent we must ask ourself if we are welcoming of Christ's message of repentance and conversion or if we have grown content in rejection of Christ and His teachings. Christ welcomes us, but do we welcome Christ?
The more that we allow ourself to welcome Christ into our life the more we will become welcoming of our brother and sister in Christ. If we can come to trust in Christ and His mercy we will find that which has been left broken and desolate will be restored to life.
The Book of Isaiah instructs: "From his roots a bud shall blossom." Therefore despite the tragedy that befalls our life or this world. Despite that which has been lost to flame. May we know and trust that through Christ springs forth the hope of new life. That which been lost will be found and thus be restored to life.
During this Advent season may we come to trust in this message of repentance. May we be willing to prepare the way of the Lord and to make straight His paths. In doing so we welcome Christ into our life and thus too extend what we receive to others.
