GOD IS WITH US - 12/10/23 (Second Sunday of Advent)

Gospel

MK 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.”

Reflection:

Advent is a season of preparation, not of gifts, food, parties, and clothes, but of our hearts and souls. Christmas is meaningless if we are fixated on material and temporary things that give momentary pleasure but are nothing after. For us to feel the spirit of Christmas, we must focus on the sole reason for all the festivities – our Lord Jesus. If we can give time for shopping and practicing dance or song numbers for parties, why don't we spend more time praying to God? Why don't we organize programs aimed at helping the poor?

These things that are done out of love remain in the heart of the person who does it until death. This joy is not comparable to receiving material things because these are the works of God that we do. True joy and lasting peace all come from Him. If we want to be truly happy, we should pour our strength, time, and attention into Jesus even if the path is difficult. Go to confession, attend, and participate actively in the Holy Mass, not only during Dawn Masses but every Sunday because that is our Holy Obligation. Our lives and activities will truly be centered on God if we follow what is in the gospel. If we do this, every day will feel like Christmas because we will always live in the presence of God who lives and reigns in the hearts of those who love and obey Him. Amen. +

Let's ponder on it. Amen. +

May the Loving and Almighty God bless us all, and may He protect us from temptation and evil now and forever. Amen. +

Reflections by FMMJ

Translations to English by CJTH

Full readings:

https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/121023.cfm

Examination of Conscience and Guide to Sacrament of Confession:

https://mycatholic.life/catholic-prayers/examination-of-conscience/

Ultimate Catholic Parents Guide:

https://youtube.com/watch?v=Ls6IcexZAls

Summary and Defense of Catholic Teachings:

https://www.catholic.com/tract/pillar-of-fire-pillar-of-truth