PREPARING THE WORLD AND THE HEART FOR THE PEACE OF CHRIST

Homily for the Second Sunday of Advent, Year A

Fr. Ugochukwu Ugwoke, ISch

Isaiah 11:1-10; Romans 15:4-9; Matthew 3:1-12

The Second Sunday of Advent draws our attention to the kind of world God desires and the kind of hearts God expects us to have as we await Christ. The readings do not speak of passive waiting but of an active, transformative preparation. Advent is a season that invites us to work with God so that the peace Christ brings can take flesh in our world.

The First Reading (Isaiah 11:1-10) is set in a turbulent period of Israel’s history. The Davidic monarchy had collapsed into corruption, and foreign powers - especially Assyria - threatened the very survival of God’s people. It is into this hopeless setting that Isaiah announces: “A shoot shall sprout from the stump of Jesse.” The “stump” is an image of devastation - a once-great tree cut down. Yet God promises that from what appears dead, new life will burst forth. This is a message deeply relevant to today’s world: when nations are torn by violence and conflict, when trust in leaders is weak, when moral values seem eroded, God does not abandon His people. He brings renewal from the very places that seem beyond repair.

Isaiah’s description of the Messiah - filled with the Spirit of wisdom, understanding, counsel, fortitude, knowledge, piety, and fear of the Lord - paints a vision of leadership rooted not in power but in virtue. The peace that follows (wolf with lamb, calf with lion) is not poetic exaggeration but a symbol of the radical harmony God intends for creation. Advent challenges us: Are we contributing to this harmony, or deepening division? In our homes, communities, and nation, are we bridge-builders or conflict multipliers?

In the Second Reading (Romans 15:4-9), Paul teaches that Scripture forms us in endurance and hope so that we may “think in harmony with one another.” Advent is therefore not only a personal journey but a communal one. Hope is sustained in community - in how we pray together, forgive one another, and support each other. Paul’s call to “welcome one another as Christ has welcomed you” is an Advent command. The world is renewed when Christians become signs of God’s hospitality.

In the Gospel (Matthew 3:1-12), John the Baptist stands as Advent’s uncompromising voice: “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.” His message reminds us that renewal begins with conversion. John is clear that religious identity alone (“We have Abraham as our father”) is not enough. God desires fruit - concrete evidence of a transformed life. Advent repentance is therefore not merely feeling sorry but allowing God to uproot habits, attitudes, and patterns that block His peace.

John also warns that Christ’s coming includes purification - a “baptism with the Holy Spirit and fire.” The fire is not destructive but refining. Christ burns away whatever diminishes our humanity and strengthens what is holy. Advent invites us to welcome that refining love.

How, then, do we prepare for Christ’s peace? First, interior conversion- allow God’s Word to confront and shape us. Second, active reconciliation - heal broken relationships; practice forgiveness. Third, concrete works of justice and mercy - support the poor, protect the vulnerable, and promote peace in our society. Fourth, hopeful witness - live with confidence that God can bring life even from the “stumps” in our world.

Dear friend, Advent is God’s invitation to become co-workers in renewing the world. As we journey through this season, may we open our hearts to the Spirit who brings harmony, our lives to Christ who brings peace, and our communities to the justice that marks God’s kingdom. Amen.