Reflection for Sunday December 10, 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 humble man who went on a mission to a place where no Christian missionary had been before. There, he catechized or taught the people about the faith and he built a church also. 

When the church was complete, this good man visited the community's parish church. And he inquired to the parish priest if he could visit and celebrate Mass there even for once a month only.  The priest agreed and everyone was converted to the faith. Thus, in his own little way the humble man prepared the way for them so that they could be with the Lord thru the Holy Mass.

On this second Sunday of Advent, we reflect on how John the Baptist humbly fulfilled the prophecy of the prophet Isaiah. John preached repentance and forgiveness of sins, preparing the way for Jesus with humility when he declared, 'One mightier than I am 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' (Mark 1:7-8). John perfectly understood that his role was to be a herald for the coming of our Savior, Jesus.

As Catholic Christians, this is also our role; to be heralds for Jesus with humility. To help spread the good news to preach also about repentance, forgiveness and love.

We should not keep to ourselves this timely call for repentance we must echo this call to our friends and most specially our family members. However, this is easier said than done, simply because encouraging others to humbly submit themselves to the Sacrament of Reconciliation is not easy. Yet, if we emulate John, who embraced his discipleship with humility, we can be effective heralds of Jesus as well.

On this second Sunday of Advent, the gospel challenges us to help prepare the way of the Lord and respond to John's call for repentance.

Have you taken steps to prepare the way of the Lord, and are you ready to respond to John's call for repentance? – Marino J. Dasmarinas