Greetings on this the Second Sunday of Advent
Readings: IS 40:1-5, 9-11; PS 85:9-10-11-12, 13-14; 2 PT 3:8-14; MK 1:1-8
Notes
As I noted on the Immaculate Conception and again on the Memorial of Saint Juan Diego Cuauhtlatoatzin, we all have a unique and special role in fulfilling the commandment and being the salve of Isaiah: Comfort, give comfort to my people, says your God. On this the second Sunday of Advent we learn the twin salvation graces being provided in the incarnation of Jesus as told by the writer of the Gospel of Mark. This is truly The beginning of the gospel of Jesus Christ the Son of God.
- The Herald: John the Baptist proclaimed a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins.
- The Mightier One: He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit.
Summary
The salve and the commandment is the opening sentence of the first reading from the prophet Isaiah: Comfort, give comfort to my people, says your God. We are given to receive comfort from the LORD and to provide comfort from the LORD.
John the Baptist is 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.
Yet John knew his limits. He is not ‘the one’ but the herald of ‘the one’.
“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.”
It is important to discover our mission and limits. It is important to receive the salve of divine comfort and to receive the divine comfort.
Reflection
The LORD is patient, “the Lord is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance” (2 Peter 3:9). One must be careful to not to assume this means not getting started is OK. No one knows the hour or day of the second Coming. But more importantly in a sense is the suffering that goes on all around us that needs divine comfort. In the here and now people need to be comforted. Sometimes in way that are unexpected.
Personal Reflection
I speak of my ministry because it is so much a part of my life. I minister to all people with a vast difference in needs and life perspectives, including religions or none thereof. But my Catholic faith does not limit the mission. I look beyond my world view into the others view and render comfort within their context not mine. Sometimes it is uncomfortable. Yes, I have bought alcohol for a person who shouldn’t drink with the appropriate caveats and cautions.
Comfort people in their virtue and their vice because it is the person you are comforting not the problem nor their gifts.
The person.
Comfort them.
First Reading
Comfort, give comfort to my people, says your God. Speak tenderly to Jerusalem, and proclaim to her that her service is at an end.
Jesus will bring the cure. I bring them to Jesus. I am not worthy to stoop and loosen the thongs of his sandals.
Responsorial
Lord, let us see your kindness, and grant us your salvation.
Second Reading
The Lord does not delay his promise, as some regard “delay,” but he is patient with you, not wishing that any should perish but that all should come to repentance.
Gospel Acclamation
Prepare the way of the Lord, make straight his paths: All flesh shall see the salvation of God.
Gospel
The beginning of the gospel of Jesus Christ the Son of God.
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.
And this is what he proclaimed: “One mightier than I is coming after me. I have baptized you with water; he will baptize you with the Holy Spirit.”
Peace be with you,
Deacon Gerry