Matthew 3:1 John the Baptist appeared, preaching in the desert of Judea and saying, "Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand!"
"Repent, for the Kingdom of heaven is at hand." These words were proclaimed more than 2000 years ago by John the Baptist. These same words begin our gospel from Saint Matthew on this 2nd Sunday of Advent. Last week we heard readings about making preparation for the coming of the Son of Man. This week it's John the Baptist preaching in the desert, reminding all that the kingdom of heaven is at hand. The word "repent" seems to jump off the page. John, in his strange clothing, disheveled appearance, tells both those seeking hope and the church officials, that they need to turn their lives around. He calls the Pharisees and Sadducees snakes, that they will be cut down like trees should they not produce good fruit. The gospel is a reminder that we are called to introspection, seeing our imperfections and sinful nature, and to turn our lives around. We do this by reconciliation and penance. We acknowledge our sin, confess it to God, through the priest, who acts "in persona Christi" and then do penance in atonement for our transgressions. Advent is a time to prepare for the coming of Christ into the world, but it's also a time for us to prepare for meeting the Lord when he comes for us. Let me encourage you to visit one of our Catholic churches this Advent and reflect upon your life during this past year. Did you keep all of the commandments? Did you do something or say something you would be ashamed of or embarrassed by if you met the Lord this day? Did you leave things undone, take no action to help someone in need when you had the opportunity to do so? Take the opportunity to receive God's forgiveness by going to confession before Christmas and if you haven't been to Mass or the sacrament of reconciliation in some time, Jesus invites you to come home.
