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Sambuhay Advent 2
Sambuhay Advent 2
V oices. A cacophony of
voices. Two months before
the official campaign period for
one divinely called: “The word
of God came to John” (Lk 3:2).
one who began a good work in
you will continue to complete
it until the day of Christ Jesus”
But mind you, these days, many
the 2022 elections, our ears are will claim they are anointed (Phil 1:6).
already bombarded by so many by God. By closely listening We learn two things as we
voices asking for our attention to our other readings, we can discern these voices. The voice
and votes, and the strategies separate the gold from the dross. that leads is God’s. In the recesses
they employ are inexhaustible John, preaching forgiveness of our conscience and heart, we
just to take our attention. and repentance (Lk 3:3), knows are therefore confident that the
The Gospel today tells us of his tradition. Luke further says voice that leads does not come
voices we must heed so that we of John’s voice resounding: from those who flaunt their
may discern the voice of a true “Prepare the way of the Lord, egos in their power, position,
leader. Luke presents John as a make straight his paths./ Every and purse. The motivation for
voice in the wilderness against valley shall be filled and every gathering people is the indicator.
the background of the political The voice that leads is one that
mountain and hill shall be made
and religious leadership of his guides us to the Voice and total
low. The winding roads shall be
time. He enumerates the political salvation, tilting the balance for
made straight, and the rough
justice and mercy as the primary
leaders with their title and ways made smooth,/and all flesh
motivation.
areas of power (their bailiwicks shall see the salvation of God.”
perhaps?): Tiberius Caesar, the And John’s voice teaches us
Prophet John is certain that all
emperor, has the Roman empire; another thing: he lives out what
the peoples, “from the east and
he has heard and learned. John,
Pontius Pilate, the governor, has the west,” as Baruch says in the in his simplicity and humility,
Judea; Herod, son of Herod the First Reading, “are remembered lived in the desert and, having
Great, is tetrarch of Galilee; by God” (Bar 5:5), enumerating been called, went throughout
Philip, another son of Herod all other actions of God to the region of Jordan to make
the Great, is tetrarch of Ituraea Jerusalem until “God is leading people hear the message of
and Trachonitis; and Lysanias Israel in joy by the light of his God (Lk 3:3-4). He is a voice
is tetrarch of Abilene. On the glory, with his mercy and justice that, despite his frugal ways and
other hand, the religious leaders for company” (Bar 5:7). This simplicity, leads us to certitude
Annas and Caiaphas, by lineage, certitude is further echoed by in our choices, hopefully to
connection, and position, have Paul who as a prophet proclaims make us proclaim in the spirit
the high priesthood. to his beloved Philippians out of Advent, “The Lord has done
In contrast to the political and of joy, affection, and gratitude: great things for us; we are filled
religious leaders, John comes as “I am confident of this, that the with joy” (Ps 126).
All—Lord, have mercy. that they are remembered by
THE INTRODUCTORY RITES God. Led away on foot by
P—You came to call sinners:
Entrance Antiphon Christ, have mercy. their enemies they left you:
(Cf. Is 30:19, 30) but God will bring them back
All—Christ, have mercy.
(Recited when there is no opening song.) to you borne aloft in glory as
P—You are seated at the right
O people of Sion, behold, the on royal thrones. For God has
hand of the Father to intercede
Lord will come to save the commanded that every lofty
for us: Lord, have mercy.
nations, and the Lord will make mountain be made low, and that
the glory of his voice heard in All—Lord, have mercy. the age-old depths and gorges
the joy of your heart. P—May almighty God have be filled to level ground, that
Lighting of the Advent Candle mercy on us, forgive us our sins, Israel may advance secure in
(The lighting of the second candle of and bring us to everlasting life. the glory of God. The forests
the Advent wreath may be made after All—Amen. and every fragrant kind of tree
the entrance song, with the following or have overshadowed Israel at
(During Advent, the Gloria is omitted.)
similar prayer:) God’s command; for God is
Collect leading Israel in joy by the light
P—Father, as we journey on this of his glory, with his mercy and
Season of Advent, we relight the P — Let us pray. (Pause)
justice for company.
candle of hope, and we light the Almighty and merciful God,
candle of peace. Grant us the may no earthly undertaking —The word of the Lord.
courage to make peace: peace in hinder those who set out in All—Thanks be to God.
our hearts, peace in our homes, haste to meet your Son, but
and peace in our country. may our learning of heavenly Responsorial Psalm (Ps 126)
All—Amen. wisdom gain us admittance to
Greeting his company. R—The Lord has done great
(The sign of the cross is made here.) Who lives and reigns with things for us; we are filled
you in the unity of the Holy with joy.
P—Grace to you and peace Mark Alegre
= 80
Spirit, God, for ever and ever.
from God our Father and the
All — Amen.
Lord Jesus Christ.
All—And with your spirit. The
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