2025 Cycle A - The Second Sunday of Advent

Readings

The Second Sunday of Advent

Isa 11:1-10; Ps 72:1-2, 7-8, 12-13, 17; Rom 15:4-9; Luke 3:4, 6; Matt 3:1-12

Homily Theme

“Mercy… or Justice?”

Mercy or Justice?
As we enter the second Sunday of Advent, the readings lead us to reflect on two inseparable attributes of God: His justice and His mercy. These are the themes I invite us to meditate on today.

We are all sinners. Because of this, the words of the Prophet Isaiah and of John the Baptist speak as urgently to us now as they did to the people of their own time. We, too, live in a world marked by sin—a world very similar to the one in which the prophets called for repentance and warned of the consequences of refusing to turn back to God.

The first two weeks of Advent are set aside by the Church for one purpose: to prepare for the Second and final Coming of Christ. He tells us He will come “like a thief in the night,” at a moment we least expect. Imagine if He were to return while we were preparing to celebrate His birth as a child in Bethlehem—would we be ready, or taken completely by surprise?

If someone of great importance were coming to visit our home and we knew the day and the hour, we would waste no time preparing. We would make sure the house was spotless and everything was in perfect order. How much more should we prepare our souls for the coming of Jesus—He who will judge us with either justice or mercy?

Every one of us will live forever—either with God or without Him. Those who are in a state of grace, who have sought His forgiveness and are prepared for His coming, may confidently hope for His mercy. But those who remain unrepentant can expect only His justice. Each of us has family members or friends who have fallen away from the practice of the Faith. Consider sharing this message with them, offering them an invitation to return to the Church.

Jesus is Judge and Savior, God and Man, the One who dispenses both justice and mercy. But He is Savior only for those who accept His saving power and prepare their hearts for His coming. Recall His parable of the wise and foolish virgins—those who were prepared entered the wedding feast; those who were not were left outside. In the same way, those ready for the Lord will receive divine mercy—sins as scarlet made white as snow. Those who refuse to repent will meet Him as Judge and risk the loss of eternal joy.

As you consider Christmas gifts for your loved ones this year, remember that the greatest gift you can offer is the gift of reconciliation with God. Invite your family and friends to join you in confession, so that all of you may be prepared to receive Jesus—whether as the Child in the manger or as the Judge of your eternal destiny.

This is the gift that endures forever. Let us not wait until it is too late.

Have a blessed and holy Christmas.