Gospel: December 10, 2023
(Sunday)
2nd Sunday of Advent
Psalter: Week 2 / (Violet)
Responsorial Psalm: Ps 85: 9-10, 11-12, 13-14 (8)
Lord, let us see your kindness, and grant us your salvation.
1st Reading: Isaiah 40: 1-5, 9-112nd Reading: 2 Peter 3: 8-14Gospel: Mark 1: 1-8This is the beginning of the Good News of Jesus Christ, the Son of God. It is written in the book of Isaiah, the prophet, “I am sending my messenger ahead of you, to prepare your way. Let the people hear the voice calling in the desert: Prepare the way of the Lord, level his paths.” So John began to baptize in the desert; he preached a baptism of repentance, for the forgiveness of sins. All Judea and all the people from the city of Jerusalem went out to John to confess their sins, and to be baptized by him in the river Jordan. John was clothed in camel’s hair and wore a leather belt around his waist. His food was locusts and honey. He preached to the people, saying, “After me comes one who is more powerful than I am; I have baptized you with water, but he will baptize you in the Holy Spirit.”Lectio Divina:Read: Isaiah prophesies to the people of Israel that God will send a messenger who will announce their return from exile. God will gently lead his people home. The Second Letter of Peter reminds us that God does not work on our schedule. The day of the Lord will come when God wishes. We have only to prepare in hope and peace. John the Baptist makes his appearance in the Gospel, calling the people to repent of their sins to be ready for the one who is to come.
Reflect: Being a messenger can be a difficult task. It’s easy to share good news and tell people what they want to hear. But being the bearer of bad tidings is far less pleasant. It can even be dangerous. In some ancient societies, messengers who brought bad news were killed! Still, we are called to follow the example of John the Baptist, preparing the way of the Lord by calling people to conversion through a personal encounter with Jesus. Even more, we need to show the way by forgiving others, repenting of our sins and living a simple life.
Pray: Lord, come quickly. Do not delay!
Act: Offer comfort and assistance to someone facing difficulties.
