THE SECOND SUNDAY OF ADVENT.....LIGHTING THE 'BETHLEHEM CANDLE'..........

The prophetic voice of John the Baptist crys out in the wilderness, "Prepare the Lord's Way, Make Straight His Paths".  That is the Advent message directed to Catholic-Christians by Matthew's Gospel on this 2nd Sunday of this sacred Season, of Witing, Watching, Anticipating, and Expecting, the Messiah's Coming.  John the Baptist preached a baptism of Repentance and Judgment.  Jesus comes affecting a Baptism of Healing and Joy.  As God's Advent People we are called to hear the message of the Baptizer, as that of the finalo Herald's voice proclaming the fulfillment of God's Promise, in the Coming of the long awaited Messiah into the World in Jesus the Christ.  Christ Jesus comes to bring us Salvation and inaugurate God's Kingdom.  But the Kingdom of God is a Kingdom of Justice, Peace, Harmony, and Joy, between all Peoples and Nations.  Lighting the Second Candle around our Advent Wreath today, "The Bethlehem Candle", we enkindle in the home of our hearts and families, the Hope for Peace, Justice, Joy, and Harmony, the Christ Child can and will, bring us, if we follow the Advent Light.  We will be doing that in a particular way this week at OLOL with our Parish Advent Mission, being preached by Reverend Father Steven Avella, Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursdayb night.  All are Welcome..........May the Prophetic Light of John the Baptist And The Bethlehem Candle Burn Brightly In Your Path,   Fr.  Troy