"FIRST IMPRESSIONS"

2nd SUNDAY OF ADVENT (C) DECEMBER 8,2024

Baruch 5: 1-9 Psalm 126 Philippians 1: 4-6, 8-11 Luke 3: 1-6

by Jude Siciliano, OP

AN END OF THE YEAR APPEAL

It is that time of the year again when we reach out to you for help. Our weekly emailings now go to almost 4,000 recipients. Our webpage, "Preacher Exchange," has had 11 million "hits" since last Advent. We have kept these Spanish and English resources free so those in poorer parishes and the developing world can have access to them. Judging from the emails I get, that is exactly what is happening. We can't continue this service without your help – so will you?
Every day our community prays for our benefactors. And so, you and your loved ones will be remembered at our daily Eucharist and prayer during these special days of Advent and Christmas.

Send tax deductible checks to:
"First Impressions"
Payable To: Dominican Friars
3150 Vince Hagan Dr.
Irving, Texas 75062-4736

Or: For an online donation go to
Thank you

Dear Preachers:

Let's focus today on our first reading from the prophet Baruch. During these Advent Sundays we are hearing from four prophets: Jeremiah, Baruch, Zephaniah and Micah.

Baruch was the secretary to Jeremiah and probably wrote material in the Book of Jeremiah. Jeremiah spoke God's word at a time when the southern kingdom of Judah and Jerusalem were about to be destroyed by the Babylonians, who then took its leading citizens and the able-bodied into exile. Thus, the words of Baruch were spoken to a defeated people living in exile, offering words of promise and hope. Today's passage comes towards the end of Baruch and is a poem of consolation, anticipating freedom and a return from slavery. But the restoration and rebuilding of the nation never completely took place and the people remained dependent for protection on the surrounding superpowers. So, they hoped for full restoration and more – the coming of the promised messianic kingdom. In their dire straits they needed assurance from God and that's what Baruch offered them.

As we move through Advent can we identify with the fragile community of Jews who were living in unsettling times and in a foreign and our lives? Our Advent promise of God's salvation coming into our world, w land? Don't we also long for the fullness of God's salvation to come into the world as fulfilled in Jesus. But we also long for its fullness in our own lives now.

The reading is addressed to Jerusalem, but it can also be understood as a metaphor. Note how Jerusalem is presented as a grieving widow waiting for her children's return from exile. No need to mourn any longer, "Jerusalem take off your robes of mourning and misery…." She is told to look towards the east to see her children returning.

There is more than an ocean of tears being shed again these days in Jerusalem, all of Israel, Gaza, Lebanon, throughout the Middle East, etc. Is Baruch's word of hope being spoken today to the parts of the world that desperately need a promising word from God? In such dreadful times, with so many suffering on all sides of the conflict, Baruch is reminding an afflicted people that, despite the signs to the contrary, God has not deserted the suffering people.

Baruch originally spoke to the grieving in Jerusalem. But God notices the suffering of all people at all times and grieves with them. Baruch promises that God is coming to relieve the people and then they will have reason to wrap themselves in "the cloak of justice from God." God promised to set things right for the people of ancient Jerusalem and we must also ask, "How about us? How long must we wait?"

The prophet assured the desperate and waiting people (and us) that God was not inactive, but was preparing a safe smooth road for the returnees. They will have little strength on their own, so God was smoothing the way for them. "For God has commanded that every lofty mountain be made low, and the age-old depths and gorges be filled to level ground that Israel may advance secure in the glory of God.

It is very hard in the midst of world upheaval and our own personal struggles, to believe God is doing anything at all. What is God doing to stop the war in Gaza? Resolve the conflict in Ukraine? Heal the burns and battle-scarred civilians in the hospitals of the conflict zones? Here is a question I ask when I prepare, or hear a homily: "So what? What difference will these words make at this time to those who hear them?"

What does Baruch have to say to us in the midst of desolation? The world mourns and shares the pain of so many innocents. The prophet speaks God's promise: God will act to restore the people. Do we not see it? What part must I play in restoring and healing the lives of those who share my world? Can I trust that the God of mercy Baruch presents to us, will not leave people desolate and in exile?

Baruch's vision invokes hope in me and in those around me gathered in prayer this Advent? The reading stirs a prayer in me: "Loving God, though it sometimes feels it, I know you have not left us on our own. I believe and I await your coming anew this Advent. Hurry God, do not delay."

We have an Advent choice. We can stay mired in the world's evils and pain, or we can turn to God in trust and hope. God offers us grace so we can work together for the cause of peace and justice envisioned for us in our Advent prophets. This work can be immediate and right at our fingertips. We can rely on God to help us put off the shrouds of sin, injustice and hatred and be clothed in God's rich cloak of assured-courage and blessings.

Today's Baruch text has echoes of the consoling words of Isaiah's "Book of Comfort" (Is 40-55), written for the exiles in Babylon. Like Isaiah, Baruch was looking for God to do a repeat Exodus and free the people from another tyrant, Anthiochus Epyphanes IV. Baruch is awake and watchful for God, which is what we are doing this Advent.

God fulfilled the promise made through Baruch in the appearance of Jesus. Fueled by the hope of Christ's return we can follow Baruch's directives and put off our "cloak of mourning and misery."

Click here for a link to this Sunday's readings:

https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/120824.cfm

ADVENT READING

"Listening Together: Meditations on Synodality" by Timothy Radcliffe (Collegeville, Pa., 2024)

Timothy Radcliffe is the former Master of the Dominican Order. He was the retreat director at the Synod on Synodality, a gathering of Catholics from around the world to listen and pray on what it means today to be a church. Radcliffe gave the retreat as the synod began and this is a collection of his talks.

JUSTICE BULLETIN BOARD

Those who sow in tears shall reap rejoicing.

Psalm 126: 5

As beautiful and joyful as the holidays can be, they can also be a difficult time for many, both emotionally and economically. Catholic Parish Outreach has been supplying more and more people who do not have enough food on a daily basis let alone the provisions for holidays that celebrate abundant food. The Door Ministry has many families coming for help with their past due rents or eviction notices; their joy of the holidays is in keeping a roof over their heads. Women in prison receive spiritual nourishment on a weekly basis with dedicated parishioners. The hungry find joy in a hot meal on weekends at Oak City Cares. There are the women who are staying at the Helen Wright Shelter whom Cathedral feeds on the fourth Friday of every month and the lunches we serve at the Women's Center. We have our 15th Habitat for Humanity house, Refugee Resettlement, Support Circle, Walking with Moms in Need, and our Christmas Angel Share Tree ministry for those that cannot afford presents for their children. Finally, let us not forget all those families impacted by Hurricane Helene. "Sowing in tears" is before our eyes.

So, what makes this a time of hope? You do! Last week I talked about preparing ourselves to be open to love. This week I would say, what many of you have found, that the quickest way to find love is to be love to others, especially the poor. As Pope Benedict XVI states, " Only my readiness to encounter my neighbor and to show him love makes me sensitive to God as well. Only if I serve my neighbor can my eyes be opened to what God does for me and how much he loves me. . .love grows through love" (Deus Caritas Est, 18).Our love can be infectious.

Pope Benedict goes on to say, " As a community, the Church must practice love. . .[and] cannot neglect the service of charity any more than she can neglect the Sacraments and the Word" (ibid., 20 ). Benedict states that charity as thus practiced must go beyond mere "religious duty" (ibid , 18). Our rejoicing is that we can, of our own free will, share the love that we have been so generously given. This Advent season prepare for love by being love, so others' tears can reap rejoicing.

Want to participate in the loving work of life, dignity, and justice, contact: socialconcern@hnojnc.org

Barbara Molinari Quinby, MPS, Director,

Office of Human Life, Dignity, and Justice Ministries

Holy Name of Jesus Cathedral Raleigh, NC

Mini-reflections on the Sunday scripture readings designed for persons on the run. "Faith Book" is also brief enough to be posted in the Sunday parish bulletins people take home.

From the prophet Baruch:

Jerusalem take off your robe of mourning and misery;

put on the splendor of glory from God forever:

wrapped in the cloak of justice from God.

Reflection:

The prophet Baruch promises a time when we will be "wrapped in the cloak of justice." Justice is not merely one virtue among many. For God's community, it is the key virtue. It reflects the very way God treats us. In a community guided by justice, all are treated equally; all share in the community's resources; no one goes hungry or is treated unfairly.

So we ask ourselves:

How did I feel when an injustice was done against me?

What can I do to help another person not be treated in the same manner I was?

POSTCARDS TO DEATH ROW INMATES

"One has to strongly affirm that condemnation to the death penalty is an inhuman measure that humiliates personal dignity, in whatever form it is carried out." ---Pope Francis

Inmates on death row are the most forgotten people in the prison system. Each week I am posting in this space several inmates' names and locations. I invite you to write a postcard to one or more of them to let them know that: we have not forgotten them; are praying for them and their families; or, whatever personal encouragement you might like to give them. If the inmate responds, you might consider becoming pen pals.

Please write to:

Johnny Hyde	#0542024	(On death row since 7/23/1998)

Patrick Steen	#0388640	(8/28/1998)

Robert Brewijngton	#0584095	(0/3/1998)

----Central Prison P.O. 247 Phoenix, MD 21131

Please note: Central Prison is in Raleigh, NC., but for security purposes, mail to inmates is processed through a clearing house at the above address in Maryland.

For more information on the Catholic position on the death penalty go to the Catholic Mobilizing Network: http://catholicsmobilizing.org/resources/cacp/

On this page you can sign "The National Catholic Pledge to End the Death Penalty." Also, check the interfaith page for People of Faith Against the Death Penalty: http://www.pfadp.org/

DONATIONS

"First Impressions" is a service to preachers and those wishing to prepare for Sunday worship. It is sponsored by the Dominican Friars. If you would like "First Impressions" sent weekly to a friend, send a note to fr. John Boll, OP at jboll@opsouth.org.

If you would like to support this ministry, please send tax deductible contributions to fr. Jude Siciliano, O.P.

St. Albert Priory 3150 Vince Hagan Drive Irving, Texas 75062-4736

Make checks payable to: Dominican Friars. Or, go to our webpage to make an online donation: http://www.PreacherExchanhe.com/donations.htm

ANNOUNCEMENTS

We have compiled Four CDs for sale: Individual CDs for each Liturgical Year, A, B or C

One combined CD for "Liturgical Years A, B and C.

If you are a preacher, lead a Lectionary-based scripture group, or are a member of a	liturgical team, these CDs will be helpful in your preparation process. Individual worshipers report they also use these reflections as they prepare for Sunday liturgy.

You can order the CDs by going to our webpage:

https://www.PreacherExchange.com and clicking on the "First Impressions" CD link on the left.

OTHER PUBLICATIONS BY EMAIL:

1. "HOMILIAS DOMINICALES" ---These Spanish reflections on the Sunday and daily scriptures are written by Dominican sisters and friars. If you or a friend would like to receive these reflections drop a note to "Fr. John J. Boll, O.P." <preacherexchange@att.net>

2. "VOLUME 2" is an opportunity for you to hear from the readers of First Impressions. To subscribe or Send your own reflections: Send them to "Fr. John J. Boll, O.P." <preacherexchange@att.net > Your contributions to Volume 2 are welcome.

OUR WEBSITE: http://www.preacherexchange.com

Where you will find Preachers Exchange, which includes "First Impressions," "Homilias Dominicales," and "Volume 2" as well as articles, book reviews, daily homilies and other material pertinent to preaching and Scripture reflection.

FOR EMAIL HELP OR TO UNSUBSCRIBE, SUBSCRIBE, OR CHANGE

email "Fr. John J. Boll, O.P." <preacherexchange@att.net>