“Lord, let us see your kindness, and grant us your salvation.”
Psalm 85
Readings
Book of the Prophet Isaiah 40:1-5, 9-11
Second Letter of Saint Peter 3:8-14
Gospel According to Mark 1:1-8
Reflection
by Sister Jane Hibbard, SNJM
In the second reading from the second letter of St. Peter we hear: “With the Lord one day is like a thousand years and a thousand years are like one day.” Maybe that will give a new thought to what our patience in this stressful time means.
We are and have been practicing waiting with patience for a few months now. Advent is the spiritual reality of that waiting with patience. This Advent is an opportunity to take more time to relish that reality. The Entrance Antiphon for today proclaims: “The Lord will make the glory of His voice heard in the joy of your heart!”
Advent is a time to discover the WONDER of God’s involvement in our lives.
“Our lives are an Advent – a time of waiting, listening, and hoping, a time of openness to the unimaginable gift of God.” Marie Boulding, OSB
The Gospel for this Second Sunday of Advent is the beginning of the Gospel according to
St. Mark. He starts out with John the Baptist crying: “Prepare the way of the Lord, make straight his paths.” John knows this Jesus he is welcoming. He grew up with him. Now he is called on to announce the great, good news that Jesus is here and He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit.
Take some time this week to imagine the relationship of John and Jesus.
Take some time to renew the promise of your own baptism in the Holy Spirit!
Take some time this Advent…to wonder, wait, listen and hope!
Take some time to believe this unimaginable gift of God!
From the Rule of St. Benedict
“What, dear brothers and sisters, is more delightful than this voice of the Lord calling to us?
See how the Lord in his love shows us the way of life.” Prologue 19-20
Gospel Acclamation
“Prepare the way of the Lord, make straight his paths: all flesh shall see the salvation of God.” Luke 3:4, 6