Second Sunday of Advent 2024


Last weekend, Buffalo saw one of its legendary lake-effect snowstorms, blanketing the area in feet of snow. The Bills’ game against the 49ers was in jeopardy. 

But something remarkable happened. The "Bills Mafia"—those dedicated fans—grabbed their shovels, bundled up, and showed up at Highmark Stadium. 

Together, they worked tirelessly to clear the snow, making the stadium ready for the game. They didn’t wait for someone else to take care of it. They saw the need, rolled up their sleeves, and got to work.

This story offers a powerful image of what Advent is all about. As John the Baptist says in today’s Gospel, we are called to “prepare the way of the Lord.” 

Just as the Bills Mafia cleared paths through the snow, we are called to clear the obstacles in our lives so that Christ can enter our hearts more fully.

The prophet Baruch gives us a vision of Jerusalem, once in mourning, now adorned in splendor. He describes God’s transformative work: mountains made low, valleys filled, and paths made smooth. 

This isn’t just a metaphor; it’s a promise. God’s power can remove obstacles that seem insurmountable. But notice this: God invites us to cooperate with Him in this work. 

Just as the Bills fans didn’t wait for the stadium to magically clear itself, we can’t sit back and expect our lives to be transformed without our own effort.

John the Baptist’s message echoes this call to action: “Prepare the way of the Lord, make straight his paths.” 

What does this mean for us? 

It means looking at our lives honestly and asking: What are the “piles of snow” in my life that need to be cleared? 

Perhaps it’s sin—habits or choices that separate us from God. Maybe it’s resentment, fear, or apathy. Advent invites us to grab our spiritual shovels and start clearing a path for Christ.

In his letter to the Philippians, St. Paul reminds us of an important truth: while we are called to prepare, the ultimate work belongs to God: 

“The one who began a good work in you will continue to complete it.” 

This is the beauty of Advent. Our preparation isn’t about earning God’s love—it’s about making space to receive the gift of His grace.

Just as the Bills Mafia worked together to prepare the stadium, we prepare our hearts in the context of a community. We aren’t alone in this journey. 

We have the Church, our families, and the sacraments to help us along the way.

So how do we prepare? Here are three ways:

  1. Repentance: Take time to reflect on your life. What sins or distractions are blocking the way? Advent is a perfect time for the Sacrament of Reconciliation.

  2. Acts of Love: Just as the Bills Mafia served their community, we are called to serve others. Small acts of kindness can clear paths for Christ to enter not just our lives but the lives of those around us.

  3. Hope and Trust: Even as we do the work of preparation, we trust that God is with us, completing His work in us.

The Bills Mafia showed us what happens when people come together for a common purpose. Their work wasn’t glamorous, and it wasn’t easy, but it was filled with joy and hope. 

This is what Advent calls us to—a time of preparation, not passivity. A time to roll up our sleeves, clear the way, and make space for Christ.

This Advent, let us prepare with the same passion and dedication as those fans with their shovels. Because the reward is far greater than a football game. 

It’s the joy of welcoming our Savior, Jesus Christ, into our hearts and lives. Amen.
Location: Morrisonville, NY, USA

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