Reflection for Sunday December 6, Second Sunday of Advent: Mark 1:1-8

Gospel: Mark 1:1-8

The beginning of the gospel of Jesus Christ the Son of God. As it is written in Isaiah the prophet: Behold, I am sending my messenger ahead of you; he will prepare your way. A voice of one crying out in the desert: "Prepare the way of the Lord, make straight his paths." 

John the Baptist appeared in the desert proclaiming a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins. People of the whole Judean countryside and all the inhabitants of Jerusalem were going out to him and were being baptized by him in the Jordan River as they acknowledged their sins. 

John was clothed in camel's hair, with a leather belt around his waist. He fed on locusts and wild honey. And this is what he proclaimed: "One mightier than I is coming after me. I am not worthy to stoop and loosen the thongs of his sandals. I have baptized you with water; he will baptize you with the Holy Spirit."

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Reflection:

The story is told about a man who lived simply and who attends Holy Mass everyday. He lived in a small and simple house, he lived a simple lifestyle and he wore simple clothes. His neighbors were wondering why he chose to live this kind of life when he can actually afford to live the life of a rich man. 

So, his neighbors asked him: “Why do you choose to live a simple life considering that you have the wealth to live an affluent life?” The man replied, “I choose to live a simple life because I want you all to know that there is more to life than all the trappings that surrounds it and that is your faith, friendship and personal relationship with God.” 

In the gospel for the second Sunday of advent we read about John who lived a simple life. John was clothed in camel's hair, with a leather belt around his waist. John also fed on locusts and wild honey. Before descending to be with the people John lived a simple life or even a hermit’s life in the desert. 

As a result of living a simple life John became an effective herald/messenger for the coming of the Lord. What if John chose to live his life in affluence and worldliness? Would he still become an effective herald for the coming of the Lord? Of course not! Why? Because it’s only in the simplicity of our lives that we become effective heralds/messengers of the Lord.  

How are you living your life during this time of covid-19 and are you already an effective herald/messenger for the coming of the Lord? – Marino J. Dasmarinas