Episode Transcript
1
00:00:00,640 --> 00:00:03,367
Advent comes from the word arrival.
2
00:00:03,920 --> 00:00:04,783
Adventus.
3
00:00:05,592 --> 00:00:07,952
Here in this second week of Advent,
4
00:00:07,952 --> 00:00:11,206
it's not just about passive waiting for Christ or
5
00:00:11,206 --> 00:00:12,760
twiddling our thumbs;
6
00:00:12,760 --> 00:00:15,262
it’s about active preparation for Him.
7
00:00:16,576 --> 00:00:18,336
In today’s Gospel,
8
00:00:18,336 --> 00:00:20,699
John the Baptist appears in the wilderness,
9
00:00:20,699 --> 00:00:22,200
and he calls out,
10
00:00:22,200 --> 00:00:25,095
“Repent, for the kingdom of God is near!”
11
00:00:26,136 --> 00:00:27,896
He challenges the crowds,
12
00:00:27,896 --> 00:00:30,552
urging them not to rely on their Jewish status
13
00:00:30,552 --> 00:00:32,520
as children of Abraham
14
00:00:32,520 --> 00:00:35,679
but to bear fruit worthy of repentance.
15
00:00:36,488 --> 00:00:39,823
John the Baptist's words are a wake up call for each one of us.
16
00:00:40,556 --> 00:00:44,160
Advent is not just about decorating our homes,
17
00:00:44,160 --> 00:00:46,750
it's about clearing space in our hearts for Christ.
18
00:00:47,840 --> 00:00:49,607
What needs to change in our lives?
19
00:00:50,344 --> 00:00:52,542
What sins do we need to confess?
20
00:00:53,600 --> 00:00:55,415
What habits do we need to turn away from?
21
00:00:56,256 --> 00:00:59,130
How can I make more room for the Adventus
22
00:00:59,130 --> 00:01:01,375
of baby Jesus this Christmas?
23
00:01:02,321 --> 00:01:03,929
How can I smooth over
24
00:01:03,929 --> 00:01:06,401
the bumpy roads of my heart
25
00:01:06,401 --> 00:01:09,054
so my heart can lead directly to Jesus?
26
00:01:10,601 --> 00:01:13,192
As we light the Second Advent Candle this week,
27
00:01:13,192 --> 00:01:16,000
we are reminded that it symbolises peace,
28
00:01:16,000 --> 00:01:18,615
calling us to prepare our hearts for Christ,
29
00:01:18,615 --> 00:01:19,887
who is the Prince of Peace.
30
00:01:20,793 --> 00:01:24,639
Perhaps we can exercise a little bit more patience this Advent.
31
00:01:25,465 --> 00:01:28,378
Maybe we can do an act of kindness for someone,
32
00:01:28,378 --> 00:01:29,817
pay for someone’s coffee,
33
00:01:29,817 --> 00:01:31,278
or give someone a compliment.
34
00:01:32,376 --> 00:01:34,952
Maybe we can create a bit more peace in our own hearts
35
00:01:34,952 --> 00:01:37,312
by spending some quiet time with the Lord,
36
00:01:37,312 --> 00:01:40,000
who is the creator of the whole entire universe.
37
00:01:40,752 --> 00:01:42,217
Listen to Him,
38
00:01:42,217 --> 00:01:44,351
what is Jesus saying to you?
39
00:01:45,810 --> 00:01:49,287
As we make Advent a time of active preparation,
40
00:01:49,287 --> 00:01:51,943
rather than just passive waiting,
41
00:01:51,943 --> 00:01:54,759
may we turn back to God with open hearts.
42
00:01:55,280 --> 00:01:57,127
Prepare the way for the Lord.
43
00:01:57,920 --> 00:01:59,682
May you prepare well!