1. -- Lanie LeBlanc OP -
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The readings this Second Sunday of Advent gave me a wider perspective of Christianity.   Our first reading tells about true Christian hope that all the blessed and good things we can even think about will indeed come to be on the holy mountain of the hereafter without any harm or ruin as we know it on earth.    The second reading shows that even in the time of Jesus, there was tension between new believers and those who wanted practices closer to ancestral ties. Then there is the Gospel story about John the Baptist!

          I think I will go there!   As a child and maybe until much later in life, I just thought John the Baptist was a bit strange in his choice of food and garments and where/how he lived. I got the message that people needed to change their lives.    Reading a bit deeper and checking some more modern language translations to interpret his style of preaching opened up some deeper thoughts, too.

          In my opinion, John the Baptist was the “fire and brimstone” kind of preacher that we all need to hear once in a while when we need more than a nudge in a better direction.   Sometimes our intentions are sketchy, and we slide by with a weak “I’m sorry”.   Sometimes, like maybe with some of those listening to John that day, the more ugly version of ourselves washes over us.    We realize the need for a significant change and the sooner the better.

Philosophical me combines all of these pieces into a personal tapestry of Christian life.   Christians both deal with current problems and hope for the peace of the future.   There are many different and authentic ways to follow Jesus on the journey, some traditional and some progressive... and sometimes there is a great need for a little of both.   The Almighty One draws people to the kingdom through Jesus (and others in our corner of the world) with care and compassion, but also with strictness and dire warnings … and everything in-between!

Baby Jesus is coming and Christ the King is also coming, but Jesus in already here with us, right now.  This Advent is a good time to look at how Jesus comes into our lives daily in small ways and in large ones.   How will we prepare to welcome Jesus into our everyday life so that the Presence is discernible to ourselves and others in visible and invisible ways?

We Christians are called to follow Jesus and make a difference in the world, just as Jesus did.   May the Holy Spirit ignite not only the gifts alluded to in the first reading, but whatever it takes to set our lives on fire to grow as did the Baby Jesus in following the Father’s will. Let us prepare the way of the Lord!

Blessings,

Dr. Lanie LeBlanc OP

Southern Dominican Laity

lanie@leblanc.one

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Volume 2 is for you. These reflections follow the Liturgical Calendar and appear here about mid week each week.  They are written by various guest authors.  If you would like to submit a reflection of your own, then click here to send an email request to post to the Webmaster.  Deadline is Monday morning of each week for the upcoming Sunday.

VOLUME II ARCHIVE

• 2nd Sunday Advent •
• 1st Sunday Advent •
• Christ the King •
• 33rd Sunday •
• Dedication of the Lateran Basilica •
• All Souls •

A service of The Order of Preachers, The Dominicans.
Province of St. Martin De Porres
(Southern Dominican Province USA)
P.O. Box 8129, New Orleans, LA 70182
(504)837-2129; Fax (504)837-6604
http://www.opsouth.org
(form revised 10/13/2025)