Homily given by Bishop Anthony Randazzo
Bishop of Broken Bay
Second Sunday of Advent Year C
Our Lady of the Rosary Cathedral, Waitara
8 December 2024
The Path of Preparation
As we journey through this season of Advent, we are invited to prepare ourselves for the coming of the Lord, a coming that brings hope, peace, and transformation. On this Second Sunday of Advent, the Scriptures call us to focus on the path of preparation — a preparation not only for the birth of Jesus at Christmas, but also for His eventual return in glory.
In the context of our faith, preparation is not simply about cleaning our homes or preparing festive meals. It is about a spiritual preparation — making room in our hearts and lives for the transformative presence of God. As we approach the Jubilee Year 2025, with its theme of “Pilgrims of Hope,” this Advent calls us to straighten the paths of our lives actively, removing obstacles, and making a clear way for God to work in us.
In today’s first reading from the prophet Baruch, we hear an image of transformation and renewal: “Jerusalem, take off your dress of sorrow and distress, put on the beauty of the glory of God for ever.” (Baruch 5:1)
Baruch prophesies a time when God will restore Jerusalem to its former glory. The people who had been in exile, mourning and suffering, will now be clothed in the splendour of God’s presence. This image is not only about physical restoration — it speaks of a deeper spiritual renewal. Jerusalem, the holy city, is to be a place where God’s glory is fully revealed, a place of transformation.
For us, this vision of Jerusalem clothed in glory is a reminder that the coming of Christ into our lives brings a new beginning, a chance for personal and communal renewal. Just as Jerusalem will be transformed, so too can our hearts be renewed by God’s presence. This is the work of Advent: to prepare ourselves so that God can enter our lives, restore us, and make us new.
My sisters and brothers, as pilgrims of hope, we are called to make our hearts a place for God’s glory, a city of peace and justice, ready to welcome Christ. But just as Jerusalem needed to be prepared, so too must we be prepared — our hearts need to be open, our paths need to be straightened, and our lives need to be oriented towards God.
Saint Paul’s words to the Philippians, in our second reading, reflect an Advent theme of spiritual preparation. Paul is not just thankful for the community’s faith, he is also praying that they continue to grow in love, knowledge, and insight. This spiritual growth is what Advent calls us to: to deepen our relationship with God, to grow in understanding, and to become more and more aligned with the will of God.
In today’s Gospel, we hear the voice of John the Baptist crying out in the wilderness: “Prepare the way for the Lord, make his paths straight.” (Luke 3:4)
John the Baptist’s call to repentance and renewal is central to the message of Advent. He urges us to straighten the paths in our lives, to remove obstacles, and to prepare a way for the Lord to come. This is both a physical and a spiritual task. It is not just about clearing the literal path, but also about removing the barriers in our hearts that prevent us from fully receiving God’s grace.
John’s message was one of repentance: turning away from sin and turning toward God. Repentance, in this sense, is not simply about feeling sorry for our wrongdoings; it is about transforming our lives, changing our direction, and making room for God to enter into our hearts.
We are called to examine our lives during Advent and ask: What are the obstacles in my life that prevent me from fully receiving Christ? What areas of my heart are cluttered with distractions, resentments, or fears? How can I make more room for God’s presence?
The act of preparing the way for the Lord is not a one-time task but a continual process of reflection, renewal, and regeneration. It is an active and ongoing pilgrimage — an invitation to straighten the paths of our lives and to make room for Christ, both at Christmas and in our daily lives.
As we prepare for the Jubilee Year 2025, today’s liturgy remind us that we are indeed on a pilgrimage — a journey toward the fullness of God’s Kingdom. And like all pilgrimages, this journey requires preparation.
This preparation involves repentance, spiritual growth, and a commitment to making our hearts a place where God’s glory can shine. It is a pilgrimage of hope, because we know that the path we walk is leading us to Jesus Christ Our Lord.
Just as John the Baptist prepared the way for Jesus, might we too prepare the way for Him in our hearts, in our families, and in our communities. Some very practical ways to prepare for Jesus’ coming at Christmas is by taking up our daily prayer with joyful devotion; by making intentional acts of charity; by visiting people who are sick or lonely; and by celebrating the sacrament of reconciliation.
My brothers and sisters, answering the call to make ready the path for the Lord, we continue our Advent journey. Let us straighten the paths of our hearts, grow in love and holiness, and make room for God’s glory to shine in our lives. And as we do so, might we remember that we are not alone on this journey — we are pilgrims of hope, walking together towards the fulfillment of God’s promises.
May this Advent be a time of renewal and regeneration for each one of us, and may we always walk with hope, knowing that the path we are on will lead us to the light of Christ.
Come, Lord Jesus. Maranatha. Amen.