Sunday 7 December 2025. Readings: Isaiah 11:1-10, Ps. 72:1-2,7-8,12-13,17, Romans 15:4-9, Matthew 3:1-12
“John the Baptist appeared in the wilderness of Judea, proclaiming, ‘Repent, for the kingdom of heaven has come near.’” (Matthew 3:1-2)
Last Sunday, our readings offered the three keys of Advent: to cast off the works of darkness, to forgive, reconcile and mend fences, and to be spiritually vigilant (to increase our prayerfulness).
Today, the person and message of John the Baptist take centre stage in our journey into Advent. John the Baptist warns against what could become of us if we fail to heed the call to repentance. Our lessons for today include:
1. Repentance has two Dimensions
As John the Baptist states: “Every tree, therefore, that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire…, and he will clear his threshing floor and gather his wheat into the granary, but the chaff he will burn with unquenchable fire… bear fruit worthy of repentance.”
In other words, repentance is not only about avoiding sin; it is, more importantly, about bearing fruit. If my life is a tree, what kind of fruits am I bearing? What impact is my life making in this world? Are my fruits worth gathering in a barn? If not, it is time to repent.
2. Repentance is Now or Never: Avoid Procrastination
Every time you hear of someone’s death who is close to you, it serves as a reminder that this world does not belong to any of us. Make the most of this moment. John the Baptist speaks in the present tense: “Even now, the axe is laid to the root of the trees… his winnowing fork is in his hand…” Meaning “now is the time; the harvest has already begun.”
Live your life knowing that death is just around the corner. There’s no time for hatred; love, forgive, share—help as many people as you can. Reflect on the words of St. Paul in today’s second reading: “Welcome one another, therefore, just as Christ has welcomed you, for the glory of God.” (Romans 15:7)
3. Don’t be a Hypocrite
As people drew near to John the Baptist, the religious leaders of the day arrived. John the Baptist called them a brood of vipers! Jesus later explained this further when he said: “Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you are like whitewashed tombs, which on the outside look beautiful, but inside they are full of the bones of the dead and of all kinds of filth.” (Matthew 23:27)
In fact, as we read further in this passage, we hear Jesus use the exact phrase as John the Baptist: “You snakes, you brood of vipers! How can you escape being sentenced to hell?” (Matthew 23:33). Am I more concerned about what people think of me than what God thinks? Is my Christianity merely about putting on appearances? It is time to repent.
4. Repentance Begins with Self-Denial
As Matthew tells us: “John wore clothing of camel’s hair and with a leather belt around his waist, and his food was locusts and wild honey.” John the Baptist’s dress and lifestyle highlight his austerity.
John the Baptist did not just preach with words; he lived his message through his actions. His poverty directed people’s hearts to the emptiness of this world and their urgent need for God. Truly, no one can serve two masters.
5. It Takes Humility to Repent
John the Baptist did not let his fame go to his head. He said: “One who is more powerful than I is coming after me; I am not worthy to carry his sandals.” The first step to repentance is humility. It is the ability to look at myself and see my flaws, the ability to tell myself that even if others are praising me, I am still growing.
Pride causes us to see ourselves as perfect beings, second only to God; we cannot examine our conscience or admit our faults. Instead, we tend to point fingers and blame others (even God) for our actions. Proud individuals cannot repent because they view themselves as without sin. Like the Prodigal Son, we must first honestly acknowledge the truth in humility before we can return to our Father.
Let us pray: Almighty and merciful God, may no earthly undertaking hinder those who set out in haste to meet your Son, but may our learning of heavenly wisdom gain us admittance to his company. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God, forever and ever. Amen
Be Happy. Live Positive. Have Faith. It is well with you. May God’s abundant blessings be upon us all. (2nd Sunday of Advent Liturgical Colour: Purple. Bible Study: Isaiah 11:1-10, Ps. 72:1-2,7-8,12-13,17, Romans 15:4-9, Matthew 3:1-12)
@Rev. Fr. Evaristus E. Abu