Luke 3:1-6; Second Sunday of Advent

Last Sunday, we began a new liturgical year with the First Sunday of Advent. Much like how we approach the start of a new calendar year with resolutions, Advent invites us to spiritual renewal—to prepare our hearts and minds for the coming of the Lord.

These resolutions, however, are not about dramatic transformations. Instead, they encourage small, deliberate acts of faith that open our lives to God’s grace. I experienced this truth deeply during my recent 30-day Ignatian retreat as part of my Tertianship. While the retreat provided profound encounters with God, its most enduring lesson was simple: we do not need 30 days to experience God’s presence.

God reveals Himself in single, intentional moments—a pause in the busyness of life, a quiet prayer, or a small act of trust. These moments, though seemingly ordinary, are like promises from God. They carry the assurance of His presence and the potential to transform us, even if we do not perceive it immediately. Like all promises, they invite us to trust and hope in the faithfulness of the One who gives them.

This Advent, perhaps we can resolve to create space for such moments each day. In these pauses, however brief, we prepare for the Lord’s coming—not with grand gestures, but with the quiet faith that God’s promises are true and will be fulfilled.

In today’s world, however, promises often feel fragile. Leaders fail to honor their commitments, relationships are strained by broken trust, and even our own resolutions sometimes falter. Surrounded by a culture of unfulfilled promises, we may find ourselves skeptical, even doubting whether God’s promises can truly be trusted.

Yet Advent tells a different story. It proclaims that God’s promises are steadfast, already fulfilled in Christ, and continually unfolding in our lives. Today’s readings proclaim this enduring faithfulness.

The prophet Baruch speaks to a people burdened by exile and despair. Into their darkness, God’s promise of restoration shines brightly: “God will bring them back, borne aloft in glory as on royal thrones.” These words are not empty hopes; they declare God’s unshakable commitment to His people.

Baruch’s message is clear: the people of Jerusalem are not forgotten, and neither are we. God’s “remembering” is not passive—but active, restorative, and transformative. It is a promise to gather what has been scattered, rebuild what is broken, and heal what is wounded.

Take a moment to reflect: Have you ever felt exiled—from others, from God, or even from yourself? Perhaps you’ve longed to reclaim parts of yourself that feel lost, to mend the fragments of who you are. God’s promise is this: He not only remembers you but is actively working to bring you back, to restore you to wholeness.

St. Paul echoes this assurance in his letter to the Philippians: “The one who began a good work in you will continue to complete it.” Paul reminds us that we are all works in progress—not hastily assembled but lovingly crafted, like a masterpiece shaped by a patient and devoted artist.

At times, this process can feel slow or chaotic. We may fixate on our flaws and imperfections, the unfinished edges of our lives. But God sees the bigger picture. As the Divine Artist, He steadily and lovingly shapes us into the people He created us to be.

Advent calls us to trust this process. It encourages us to be patient, forgiving, and loving—not only with others but also with ourselves. We are not yet finished, far from it, and that’s okay. The God who began this work will see it through. Let us place our trust in His steady and faithful hands.

In today’s Gospel, John the Baptist proclaims Isaiah’s words: “All flesh shall see the salvation of God.” This promise is not limited to a select few but is meant for all people. God’s mercy and salvation extend to every nation, every culture, and every heart open to His love.

John’s call to “prepare the way of the Lord” challenges us to make room for God’s promises in our lives. It invites us to clear away the obstacles that keep us from receiving His grace and to trust that His salvation is for us—not for an ideal version of who we hope to become, but for who we are, right here, right now. God’s love is unwavering, unconditional, extending to everyone, without exception.

As we reflect on these promises, it is fitting to think of Mary. On another year, today would be her feast of the Immaculate Conception. Mary’s “fiat”, her trusting “yes”embodies complete faith in God’s promise. Her trust not only transformed her life but also changed the course of history. And just as God prepared Mary, He prepares each of us for the unique roles we are called to play in His plan of redemption.

As we honor Mary tomorrow especially, may her example inspire us to deepen our trust in God’s promises.

And as we wait for the coming of the Savior in this season of Advent, let us hold fast to this truth: The God who began a good work in you will bring it to completion. God’s promises are not just for others; they are for you, for me, for all of us. Trust in Him, hope in Him, and rejoice in Him—for He is faithful to His every promise.