SOW IN TEARS, REAP IN JOY - SECOND SUNDAY OF ADVENT (12/5/2021)

SECOND SUNDAY OF ADVENT

December 5, 2021

Baruch 5:1-9
Psalm 126
Philippians 1:4-6, 8-11
Luke 3:1-6

SOW IN TEARS, REAP IN JOY

Psalm 126, our Responsorial today, has inspired many sung versions, including the old standard "Bringing in the Sheaves," written in 1874. The psalm depicts the return of the Jewish exiles from Babylon to their homeland in joy. It is symbolic of our life's journey in this "vale of tears" being transformed by God into eternal glory.

BARUCH

Our first reading is the entire fifth chapter of the Book of Baruch. It depicts Jerusalem as a mother ready to receive her children from exile. Jerusalem is told to dress up, to stand, and to see her children come back home in glory and joy.

This selection is chosen today as we prepare to celebrate the Lord's coming, both liturgically at Christmas and at the end of time.

As we pray the Responsorial, Psalm 126, we express the joy and gladness of the returning exiles. It is an encouraging reminder that we may "sow in tears" but still "reap in joy."

GOSPEL

Our gospel today focuses on John the Baptizer. St. Luke gives six specific historical references in order to fix the time period when John began his ministry, calculated to be about 28-29 AD.

The gospel applies the words of Isaiah 40 to John: "A voice of one crying out in the desert: 'Prepare the way of the Lord, make straight his paths.'"

The gospel also sounds somewhat similar to our first reading, which says "every lofty mountain be made low and...depths and gorges be filled to level ground, that Israel may advance secure in the glory of God."

PHILIPPIANS

The note of joy rings out in the second reading as well. St. Paul prays "always with joy" for the Philippians.

Paul tells them and us, "the one who began a good work in you will continue to complete it until the day of Christ Jesus."

What does St. Paul actually pray for? "That your love may increase ever more and more in knowledge and every kind of perception, to discern what is of value..." 

This Advent may we always pray to increase in love, knowledge, perception, and discernment.

ENCOURAGEMENT

No one who has lived awhile would dispute that this world is indeed a "vale of tears," as we pray in the Hail Holy Queen. Let us allow God's word in today's readings to encourage us in faith, hope and joy. 

Although we may have to sow in tears, we will, with God's help and grace, reap in joy. The Alleluia Verse reminds us, "all flesh shall see the salvation of God."