Isaiah 40. 1－5, 9－11・Ps.85. 9, 10+11, 12+13, +14・2 Peter 3.8－14・Mark 1.1－8
This second Sunday of Advent, we also have the image of Saint John the Baptist appearing from the desert baptizing people through water, explaining true baptism in the Spirit by Jesus, and inviting people to repent in preparation for the coming of the Lord. The concept “preparing for the coming of the Lord” in John`s time must probably mean a call for necessary preparedness and readiness for the huge impact of the beginning of Jesus` ministry, for they will witness Jesus doing miracles, healing the sick, and feeding the hungry. Moreover, there was a real challenge to know and completely accept all the truth about Jesus, and about the new society He (Jesus) intended to introduce.
John the Baptist is being presented to us in this season of Advent as our model. We are called to proclaim the inclusivity of Christian life. By virtue of our baptism through water & the Holy Spirit, we become messengers in service to the One who is greater than us. With John the Baptist as our Advent model, we also promise to know ourselves better (personal mastery), and be true (be faithful) to our identity. It is always nice to find one self always ready to introduce Jesus to others with confidence. The season of advent is the best time to dig deeper on the past of Jesus. We are all involved even in His past. We increase our awareness in His continual presence. We finally hope that we all have the best future with Him.