Second Sunday of Advent

I am baptizing you with water, for repentance, but the one who is coming after me is mightier than I. I am not worthy to carry his sandals. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire. His winnowing fan is in his hand. He will clear his threshing floor and gather his wheat into his barn, but the chaff he will burn with unquenchable fire.

We have been baptized with the Holy Spirit and the fire of love so we might not burn in the unquenchable fire of selfishness. Jesus has given us an example of what it means to be on fire for God and a light for the nations. If we do not repent or accept God’s offer of forgiveness, then our hearts will become like chaff. Dried out husks with no good fruits within them. However, if we allow God to nourish us on the waters of love and mercy, then grace shall grow within us and we shall bear abundant fruits. And at the end of our lives, Jesus will gather our good works into the heavenly storehouse and we shall be counted among His good and faithful servants.

Are we repentant? Are we willing to let the Holy Spirit enkindle our hearts, minds, and bodies? What fruits are we producing?

O Lord, baptize us with the fire of the Holy Spirit.

Amen.