Gospel for December 6 2020 – Mark 1:1-8
Gospel Reflections for December 6 2020
Why seek John the Baptist in a desert?
Thousands of people walk for miles and miles far into the arid desert west of Jerusalem to see John the Baptist, not to hear him speak, but to acknowledge their faults, failings, and sinfulness! Who would want to do that! They are going that great distance precisely to be washed clean in the waters of the Jordan River.
Why come to John the Baptist? Perhaps they sensed something different about John that made it easier for them to admit their guilt. I think they sensed that he brought the love, mercy, and forgiveness of God and that makes all the difference.
The only reason why you would have the courage to admit your failings before anyone is that you feel this person would still love you despite your problems. You might even accept strong criticism as long as you would still feel their love.
God inspired John to present that powerful and liberating love of God …and so thousands of people came to happily receive it. The Church wants you to have that same sense of God’s love for yourself as well. It is a love that accepts but also kindly corrects what we do wrong.
This is the story of Advent. It is a time for personal reflection on those areas in your life where you might need to make changes. Better to make them yourself now rather than wait to be corrected by friends or family.
Before you begin your self-examination reflect first on the love that God has for you. Remember above all that He is on your side and wants you to be happy. God knows that some of your behaviors might make things worse for you. If you see these bad habits now for what they are and acknowledge and regret them, then God will let them go. He will do that for the purpose of sending you off on a new and better path finally free of those old habits. The way of Christ is the only way to true and lasting happiness.
People who follow this Advent plan find peace and finally a sense of freedom from old habits that were so self-destructive. No wonder thousands of people travelled such a distance into a harsh desert to begin their lives over again. Advent is that time for you as well.
God Bless!
Fr. Dave
Dear Father Dave,
After reading your synopsis, i’m filled with multiple thoughts on the subject. I’ll try and express a few: I believe God knows our faults better than we do and somehow He miraculously allows an event or events to intercept shaded behavior in order to bring us back to Him. Also, our friends and family, more often than not, see our faults more clearly than we do. And then there’s examination of conscience … a very good and helpful exercise of the mind.
Life is complicated, and it’s understandable that the intentions of advent’s new beginnings exist for our purpose in finding and fulfilling God’s design for us. So huge….
The cards of Christmas express joy and peace and rightfully so. Those wishes go to the heart of Jesus’ legacy. How can one be angry or distressed when God touches us with His message: “My peace I give you. My peace I leave you.”
God bless you now and forever.
Kathleen
Thank you!
Father Dave, We can feel your love for our Jesus in your expressive words!!! You beautifully touch us with His love!!! Our loving God knew we so needed YOU!!We have an incredibly, beautiful, amazing Faith!! To envision that the birth of our Jesus, granted us salvation, forgiveness of sin , eternal life and a life of love is soooooooooooooooooooooooo preciously overwhelming!!Loveeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee our loving Faith!!! Advent is a time to beautifully awaken to the miracles our loving God has given to us, Our precious Jesus, our beautiful Blessed Mother, all our dear Saints and loving angels, , precious family and friends, and the beauty of living in love by touching others in Faith and help!!! Life is a precious miracle and our loving Jesus is a miracle of Divine love to us!!! A most beautiful Advent to you and a most precious Christmas!!!Loveeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee our Jesus’ Loveeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee!!!Let’s beautifully live it!!!
With loveeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee, Franca and Dick
Thank you!
As Kathleen stated, “no one knows us better than God”. Wat is great is that He still loves us. He wants us to come to realize our sins and repent. If we keep our heart open to Gods will we can recognize those things that are so wrong. What is great is that He uses many situations to bring us to the point of recognition. Our Pastors, Bible studies and yes friends and families. God wants to perfect us and if we are willing He can do a mighty work in us.
Yes, we can always trust God will welcome us home!
Visiting the Jordan River is an exciting event in ones life. I was amazed at the number of people and their diversity. At the time is was more like a creek, small in size and flow. The splashing and enjoyment was profound.
History makes it a Magical and Spiritual time of reflection. And I consider it Life Changing.
Thanks for the reminder of what took place there.
Yes, John started everything right there at the River Jordan.