Baruch 5:1-9 / Philippians 1:3-6, 8-11 / Luke 3:1-6
When it comes to size, whatever we may say or think about it, it is usually the bigger the better.
The inclination is always for the bigger and not so much for the smaller. For example, a big car is preferred over a small car, at least where stability and safety are considered.
A bigger house has more advantages over a smaller house. There can be more rooms and more space.
A big budget is obviously more favourable than a small budget; more money would mean less anxiety.
When it comes to big, it is not just about size or space or money. Because it comes to big names, it has that ability to draw attention, and maybe even investment.
Movies starring big-name actors will certainly draw attention, and could be a factor for successful movies.
Advertisements that have famous and popular personalities or celebrities, get the attention, regardless of the quality of the product.
So, if there is a big name, added to a big-budget, and in a big setting, that seems like a formula for success. At least there will be attention.
In the gospel, there were big names, in big places, and they also have great power and authority.
The first of the big names is Tiberius Caesar, and he was the emperor of the Roman Empire at that time. So he was right there at the top.
After that it is like a name list of the high and mighty. Pontius Pilate, governor of Judaea; Herod, tetrarch of Galilee; Philip, tetrarch of Ituraea and Trachonitis; Lysanias, tetrarch of Abilene.
Also in the list are the chief priests, Annas and Caiaphas.
They were the political and religious big names of the time. Their names were like on everyone's lips. To know them personally was certainly a big advantage.
And then, almost like with the blink of the eye, came a name out of nowhere, if the wilderness can be called nowhere.
And from that nowhere, came a nobody, John son of Zechariah. And it was to him that the Word of God came upon.
And it was this John, a nobody from nowhere, who proclaimed that big message of baptism for the repentance and forgiveness of sins.
It was the voice of John the Baptist that cried out in the wilderness to prepare a way for the Lord and to make his paths straight.
As we come to the Second Sunday of Advent, we see two lighted candles in the Advent wreath. It is not a big fire but just two little lights.
Big things may draw attention, but it is the humble little things that lead us to a direction and maybe even an enlightenment.
Big things may generate a lot of publicity, but it is the little humble things that points to the reality.
And the reality is that the little and humble things can be difficult to see, and they can be difficult to find if they are lost. Those who have lost an earring will know how difficult it is to search for it.
But when little things are done with big love, then it is like seeds that are planted with the hope that they will grow into strong big trees.
When little things are done with big love, they are like little lights in the dark. There is no need for a big fire, little lights are good enough.
As we begin the second week of Advent, let us look for the little humble acts of love that are around us. May we see these little humble acts of love as little lights that are leading us to Jesus the True Light, and may we also do little things with a big love.