December 7, 2014: Second Sunday of Advent

Does the way I live point to Jesus? (Photo: Mother Theodore’s sabots (shoes) displayed at the Shrine of Saint Mother Theodore Guerin at Saint Mary-of-the-Woods, Ind.)

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.” (Mark 1:1-8)

Reflection:

John the Baptist is the messenger preparing the way for Jesus’ coming among the people.
John could have gotten a really “big head,” because people were flocking to him to hear what he had to say.
His response was to point to Jesus who was coming after him.
Does the way I live point to Jesus who always invited others into his circle of friends?

Action:

This week notice someone who is “left out.” Forget yourself as John did. Speak a kind word to the person or offer to help them.