SELECTED REFLECTIONS OF MEMBERS ACROSS THE GROUPS.
SECOND SUNDAY OF ADVENT (YEAR A)
1st Reading: (Isaiah 11:1-10)
RESPONSORIAL PSALM (Psalm 72:1-2.7-8.12-13.17(R.cf.7)
2nd Reading: (Romans 15:4-9)
Gospel Reading: *(Matthew 3: 1-12)
1st Reading: (Isaiah 11:1-10)
RESPONSORIAL PSALM (Psalm 72:1-2.7-8.12-13.17(R.cf.7)
2nd Reading: (Romans 15:4-9)
Gospel Reading: *(Matthew 3: 1-12)
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| George Tempulo De Maria. |
The first reading carries a foundational information that anyone who is truly a Christian must Anchor on.
"He shall not judge by what his eyes see, or decide by what his ears hear; but with righteousness He shall judge the poor, and decide with equity for the meek of the earth; and he shall strike the earth with the rod of his mouth, and with the breath of his lips he shall slay the wicked."
Pause again and read through it again until your soul recognizes this foundational truth about Christ our lord. Until your heart is attuned to follow in his steps. Our lord gave us an example, that we may follow in his steps. This is a summary of the state of mind and heart of the one that we must put our hope in and strive to be like.
Many times we will fail, but He is more interested in the sincerity with which we rise, put all our hope in him and follow him again.
If we are truly sincere, His grace shows up to; give us the strength we lack to complete what is required of us, or though we'll be stumbling and falling, he will not count the fall as truly a fall for us, or both.
Trust in the Lord, dearest one, He is more than worthy of our trust. Hope in him and what you hope for can never be taken away from you.
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| Miriam Ifeoma Chigbu |
How do we Bear Fruits That Befit Repentance......
We bear fruits by
1. TURN FROM SIN AND LIVE DIFFERENTLY.
-Repentance begins in the heart but must show in behavior.
-Stop practices that dishonor God.
-Break sinful habits.
-Make different choices than before.
2. WALK IN OBEDIENCE TO GOD'S WORD
You cannot say you are repentant while ignoring God’s commands.
-Read the Word.
-Apply it.
-Let the Holy Spirit correct and guide your daily decisions.
3. DEVELOP A HUMBLE AND TEACHABLE HEART.
-Repentance requires humility.
-Admit wrongs.
-Accept correction.
-Allow the Holy Spirit and others to point out blind spots.
4. MAKE RESTITUTION WHERE POSSIBLE
-Apologize when you hurt someone.
-Restore what you took.
-Fix what you broke.
-Make Amends
5. PRODUCE THE FRUIT OF THE SPIRIT
A repentant life will show new character:
Galatians 5:22–23:
-Love
-Joy
-Peace
-Patience
-Kindness
-Goodness
-Faithfulness
-Gentleness
-Self-control
6. CULTIVATE CONTINUAL FELLOWSHIP WITH GOD
Repentance is not a one-day event—it is a lifestyle.
-Pray regularly
-Seek God’s presence
-Stay connected to the Spirit.
In John 15:5, Jesus said " Abide in me and you will bear much fruits.
7. SERVE OTHERS IN LOVE
-Help the needy
-Forgive quickly
-Seek peace
-Encourage others
In essence, To bear fruits that befit repentance, we must:
TURN FROM SIN
OBEY GOD'S WORD
REMAIN HUMBLE
MAKE THINGS RIGHT
SHOW THE FRUIT OF THE SPIRIT
STAY CLOSE TO GOD
LOVE AND SERVE PEOPLE
Repentance is seen not in words, but in transformed living🙏🏼✝️
REFLECTION
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| Victor Enabudoso |
The gospel shows how John the Baptist came onto the scene with no warm greetings or some comforting words but a burning call to conversion. His message is very simple yet deeply piercing, and it says, "Change your heart and turn back to God." The wilderness where he preaches will somehow mirror the inner deserts of our souls, which is a place of distraction, complacency, and quiet compromise where God is still longing to be heard.
The message of repentance is not merely about feeling sorry for our sins; it is a deliberate decision to be transformed.
John the Baptist also humbly reminds us that his role is only to prepare the way. It is Christ alone who brings the true baptism, the gift of the Holy Spirit, which is capable of burning away sin and making our hearts new.
This Gospel message invites us to examine ourselves and ask deep questions. Are we simply near the Kingdom, or are we allowing it to take root in us? The path to Christ is made straight not by perfection but by repentance that opens the soul to grace.
Today, the voice of John the Baptist still cries out with the word "Repent, Return, and Prepare the way for the Lord for He is already near than we first thought.
REFLECTION
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| Ikeanyi Eugenia |
The Chaff He Will Burn With Unquenchable Fire.
Greetings to you brethren!
The word of the Lord has come to us yet again.
The first reading talks about righteousness and harmonial living, not been scared of anything or anyone you feel is stronger than you. Genuine love, understanding and peaceful living with one another will be the only thing taking place by then.
Second reading talks about we living together in harmony, for when we are in harmony with one another, then we can be able to Glorify God together with one voice. And with this, those that did not know God may come to know Him through our oneness.
In the Gospel, St John's the Baptist was preaching and urging us to repent for the kingdom of Heaven is at hand. We should get ready to Way of the Lord. This getting ready the way of the Lord that St John is talking about is we the creatures of God, getting ourselves ready for the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. Keeping our souls free from sin and impurity. As we prepare for Christmas, let us not only carry out the physical preparations, but also carry out the spiritual preparations by making ourselves worthy for the indwelling of Christ as He comes into the world as an infant. When Christ comes into the world, He will select His own, those who prepare for His coming, and those that are not His own He will burn with Unquenchable Fire .
May we be among those to be counted among God's own in Jesus name 🙏🙏🙏.
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| Philip Okoye |
Greetings , brothers and sisters in Christ. It's another opportunity to share with ourselves , the readings for the second Sunday of ADVENT , in our SATWOG program of today.
More often than not , we are carried away by physical preparations for the Christmas festivity. Most of us are seeing preparing our homes , adorning them with beautiful decorations, Christmas trees and lights . We are caught up with the buying of new and beautiful dresses 👗, shoes 👟 and all. For some others , it's Christmas holiday vacations , and trips to other beautiful parts of the world.
While these worldly preparations are not bad in themselves , we need to give priority to how well we are making preparations of our soul , for the coming of Christ. The readings call us to prioritize the preparation of our hearts , making it a befitting place for Christ to dwell in , when he finally comes.
In the first reading in this second week of ADVENT , prophet Isaiah continues his emphasis on the need for us to be rest assured of the redemption that lies ahead . He calls us to make adequate preparations because all things will be made well through the coming and salvation of Christ.
As mostly seen , our world has been bedeviled by inequality , unfairness, oppressions , persecutions , injustice e.t.c . Prophet Isaiah's message is quite reassuring and reignites hope . He teaches that we should be hopeful and never be discouraged because the coming of Christ will wipe away our tears by bringing us the fullness of salvation.
In the same way , the psalmist extols , by teaching us to hope and believe , that Christ's coming shall cause justice to flourish , and great peace shall reign forever amongst those who have prepared adequately to receive Him.
In the second reading likewise , St. Paul re-echoes the same message of adequate preparations for the coming of Christ . He teaches the need to persevere in all that challenges our christian life . He ponts out the importance of being steadfast , believing , trusting with unwaivering hope , in the preparation of our souls for the coming of Christ.
In addition, St. Paul teaches that as we prepare , we should emulate the life of Christ. We are called to make sacrifices without discrimination. And that as we prepare for this ADVENT , we should live our christian life in uprightness . In this way , our christian life can be so attractive that it can draw unbelievers so they can have an encounter , and experience the salvation of Christ as well.
In the same vein in the gospel reading , the voice of John the Baptist keeps admonishing us to turn away from our sins. His voice keeps echoing the need for us to repent and prepare the way of the Lord , by making his path straight.
He teaches us the danger of damnation and death , that lies ahead of all those who refuse to accept the message of repentance and salvation of Christ.
On this , John the Baptist calls us to start off our preparations , by repenting of our sins , forgive and reconcile with everyone , show contrition for our failings , go for confession so as to enjoy the infinite mercy of God , which is always accessible each time we run back after our falls , into the waiting arms of God.
Prayer : We therefore pray for the grace of strong-will and perseverance , as we make preparations of our souls in this ADVENT , for the coming of our savior , Jesus Christ... this we ask through Christ our Lord , Amen 🙏.
REFLECTION
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| Okoronkwo Ifeoma Vivian |
This emphasises repentance, humility and preparation for God's coming, calling people to straighten the paths and make way for the Lord.
How do we make way for the Lord?
- Repent and turn from your sin
- Be honest and content.
- Prepare your hearts for God's coming.
- Share what you have with the needy.
The most important is prayer, self _ reflection, acts of love, kindness and living according to God's teaching.
May God give us the heart of repentance in Jesus name.
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