the WORD is with us
GOD IS WITH US AS HE TRANSFORMS THE WORLD WITH HIS GRACE
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the beginning of an incredible journey
(Matthew 3:1-12)
(GP*: Mark 1:2-8; Luke 3:1-18, John 1:19-28)
After Thanksgiving Day, many people experience "turkey" fatigue. I am one of them. Many of us say, "Oh my goodness, now I have to think of Christmas!" I have a list of "to-do" things. Even preparing a list can often lead to anxiety, a feeling we all experience throughout the year. We become impatient. But God is patient with us, understanding that we are all on a journey and that change takes time. God is allowing us to recognize his patience with us. God waits. That is a gift, like Advent, a season that invites us to reflect, prepare, and find peace amidst our anxieties.
Advent is a gift – waiting and preparing to welcome God as the Child. It is a time of openness to change, a willingness to let go of old habits and attitudes that hinder our relationship with God, and a readiness to embrace new ways of living that align with God's will. So, we might ask ourselves, do we need to make some changes?
Today, on this significant second Sunday of Advent, we are not just called to reflect but to act. How ready are we for the Lord's coming? Today's readings, particularly John the Baptist's message, guide this path of readiness, urging us to be prepared and open to the transformative power of God's love. It's not just a journey for us, it's a responsibility. Are we ready to take it on and actively prepare for the coming of the Lord?
In the Gospel, we hear John the Baptist's urgent call, his fiery voice heralding the coming of the Lord and urging us to prepare our hearts for his arrival during the Advent season. "Repent … Prepare the way for the Lord." (cf Matthew 3:2, 3; cf Mark 1:3; cf Luke 3:4). Repentance, a crucial part of our spiritual preparation, involves acknowledging our sins, feeling remorse for them, and committing to change our ways. These words are directed to each of us. Preparar el camino del Senor. Are we listening attentively to the one shouting in the desert? What does it say about our relationship with Jesus? Nos estamos preparando para Cristo? Are we preparing for Christ?
When we wake up, let's try this. Look around. Thank God we are inside our homes. And when we are in the Church, thank God we are inside our church. Thank God we are here. Thank God wherever you are. Thank God we are alive. Let us not just prepare for the 'to-do' things, but for the greatest gift of all-Christ. Let us be grateful for Advent's spiritual growth and reflection opportunity, a time that reminds us of the blessings we often overlook.
Wind, rain, and cold spells are around us. Winter is here. Tree leaves are falling. The grounds need sweeping and cleaning. Gardeners and landscapers are getting busy. It is the same with us. As we prepare ourselves for these "to-do" things, are we preparing for Christ?
How do we do this in the coming days? We can begin by reconciling ourselves to God, improving our friendship with Jesus, the Son of God, and listening attentively. Most of the time, we are unaware of what God is doing in and through us. We also know that becoming aware can take a lifetime of listening and discerning. But there is always a beginning. Our baptism, a sacred ritual that marks our initiation into the Christian faith, can attest to this. Baptism is the beginning of an incredible journey.
We can begin by opening ourselves to love others as God has loved us. We can learn to do this with grace, as God would have us do it. The saints did it. Each one of us can do it, too. That is why we are here.
Let me make another big note here. In baptism, we are called by name. During baptism, in my homilies, I say to the parents and godparents, and the people of God present this: do you know that God is calling our children and us to sainthood - not only right now, but every day of our lives? Sainthood, a state of being completely united with God, is not reserved for a select few but is a calling for all Christians. (And I purposely wait a few seconds to elicit their reaction. And I am encouraged when I hear…yes! (from almost everyone present)... and when I see some nodding of heads (…like this…' nodding'...in approval)).
But we are all constantly on a journey, a pilgrimage, and still at it. Our baptism was just the beginning of a purposeful journey toward holiness. And we are not to take it lightly. We must understand that the journey is a life-long process.
John the Baptist's cry from the wilderness has echoed through the ages, heralding the transformative nature of Advent. This is a time of change when we learn to celebrate and live out fully who God called us to be. It's a time of living by God's commandments, showing love and compassion to others, and striving for holiness. We celebrate our faith more intensely through Mass, sacraments, and acts of charity, eagerly anticipating the spiritual growth that awaits us.
The Holy Spirit has been poured into us, and the Spirit of God continues to guide us and the Church. Jesus promised that. Let us take on that promise with a grateful heart. Again, we are at the beginning of an incredible journey of faith, love, and service that leads us closer to God and our true selves.
*GP = Gospel Parallel/s
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About the Book
The Word Is With Us – God Is With Us As He Transforms The World With His Grace is not just a book; it’s a transformative gateway to a world of parables, stories, and the Good News that will stir your soul. Its potential to revolutionize our minds and hearts, awaken our awareness, and invite active participation is extraordinary. This book not only illuminates how our unique gifts and blessings can serve as conduits to bring Christ to the world, glorify God, and deepen our gratitude to the Almighty Father but also acts as a catalyst, empowering us to appreciate and act on our potential to be a transformative part of the Word’s impact on the world.
Author and Deacon Juan P. Aquino, MA, is not just a writer but a beacon of wisdom and faith. His words are not just stories but a guiding light, a source of reassurance and guidance. He provides readers with uplifting, spirit-filled stories and reflections on the Word of God. These stories, informed by his deep understanding, experience, and authority, inspire and infuse more hope and joy into readers’ hearts and souls.
This book bears an enlightening message and the strong theme of God’s endless grace transforming the world and how it manifests in our lives. It stands tall, just like the previous books by the author. The author’s masterful storytelling and excerpts from everyday life beautifully intertwine with God’s grace and blessings, bringing a profound sense of hope and joy to readers and enabling them to eagerly anticipate future publications.
About the Author
JUAN P. AQUINO, MA in Pastoral Ministries (Santa Clara University, CA), embarked on a lifelong journey that reached a pinnacle when he was ordained as a Permanent Deacon of the Roman Catholic Church, Diocese of San Jose, CA, in 2012. This significant milestone is a testament to his unyielding dedication to his faith and the transformative power of spiritual growth. As a parish deacon, he has played a pivotal role in providing spiritual care for the sick, reaching out to the less fortunate, and inspiring others with his unwavering commitment.
A retired accountant with over 50 years of experience in business and commerce, Juan P. Aquino lives in the Central Valley with his wife, Lita. They have three children: Jonas Victor, Maria Lizette, and Jimmy John.
When not fulfilling his diaconal duties, Juan P. Aquino finds joy and fulfillment in a rich tapestry of hobbies. He is an avid creative writer, a skilled cook who delights in preparing meals for his loved ones, a passionate gardener who finds solace in nature, a curious traveler who seeks to broaden his horizons, a dedicated golfer who enjoys the challenge of the sport, and a music lover who finds comfort and inspiration in melodies. These diverse interests reflect his belief in the importance of balance and personal fulfillment in our lives, a connection we can all relate to.