A Voice in the Wilderness

HOMILY FOR THE SECOND SUNDAY OF ADVENT, YEAR A BY REV. FR. AUGUSTINE ADETOLA 12/07/2025.

Last week, our focus was on waiting and preparing for the coming of Christ. This week, we are being directed to something new, something we should be doing while waiting for Christ’s coming – a voice or messenger of peace. In our readings today, Isaiah, Paul and John were voices of not just peace but of hope to those around them. They delivered God’s message passionately and assures them of what is coming.

Isaiah speaks of a branch growing from Jesse’s stump. It is a sign of hope. God is doing something fresh. The old ways are ending. A peaceful king will come. Justice and harmony will grow again. Even nature will change. This hope is not just about the future. It calls us to work for justice and peace now. We need to promote peace and fairness in our communities and in our homes.

In the Gospel, John the Baptist appears. He tells the people to repent. Turn around. Get ready. Someone greater is coming. He will bring the Holy Spirit and fire. John reminds us that real faith shows in our actions. People were drawn to John’s bold message and his fearless stand against hypocrisy. John challenged people to change their hearts and bear good fruit. Repentance was not just about feeling sorry but about changing one’s life. During this advent season, we too must learn that true repentance comes when we change our lives. Doing the same mistake repeatedly means that we are not ready to change our ways. This call to repentance is still relevant. It invites us to examine our actions and attitudes daily.

Paul reminds us that Scripture gives hope. God is faithful to His promises. Jews and Gentiles are both part of His plan. We are called to live in peace with one another. He encourages us to live in peace with one another. Living in peace with one another entails being welcoming. To welcome means to accept. When we accept ourselves no matter what our differences, we learn to live in peace.

Secondly, just as the voices of Isaiah and John called the people to conversion, we are being challenged also that our own voice should be a voice of peace, a voice of joy and a voice of unity in the church, in our families and in society. Sometimes as Christians, our voices have become a voice of confusion, and a voice of disharmony. Some of us have the power to influence people and instead of using our voices the right way, we use it for evil. We use it to start fighting in the family or in the church, we use it to turn people against themselves. We need to ask ourselves today, what kind of positive impact do I make with my voice in church and in society? If our voices do not bring peace and joy to the community, we have failed as Christians.

The summary of today’s message is that we need to answer the call for a change of life. John the Baptist challenges our superficial attempts at change, demanding that, while obeying the commandments faithfully, we must correct our relationships with others, mend ruptures, soothe frictions, face family responsibilities, work honestly, and treat our employers/employees justly.

Lord, help us to prepare our hearts for Your coming. Guide us to live with justice, peace, and repentance. Give us courage to follow true leaders and to be leaders who bring hope. May we bear good fruit and reflect Your love in all we do. Amen.