Gospel for December 10 2023 – Mark 1:1-8
Gospel Reflections for December 10 2023
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 admit their faults, failings, and sinfulness!
Who would do that! They walk 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 made 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 this powerful and liberating love of God …and so thousands of people came happily to 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 …and also kindly corrects what you 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 needed changes now rather than wait to be corrected by friends or family.
Before you begin your self-examination, remember 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 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,
Yes, those old habits! We are vulnerable…. It’s been said that a habit can be broken in three weeks. Perhaps the short cut is to offer the problem to God, or do both with a daily prayer of gratitude.
If we were to close our eyes and imagine the planet, what would we see? If we were to think about all the people we’ve known, what would we see or hear?
The images could likely feel and look like a thunderstorm, but then after deep reflection and the passage of time, we are left in a quiet place—the purity of God.
Advent is a beautiful time to reflect, pray, and love the embrace of God.
God bless you.
Kathleen
I wish you a very blessed Advent!
John the Baptist is an interesting character living in simplicity and surviving on locusts and honey wrapped in animal skins by the Jordan River. You would think people would avoid him.
He had a quality and demeanor that attracted them instead.
He had that quality that we need in helping us see ourselves as others see us, faults and virtues and seeing us as we truly are. His Message was that of one greater than himself coming to change and improve the World.
He helped many to see themselves more honestly and improved lives by listening and guiding them toward a path leading to Jesus and Eternal Salvation. His Honest and correct opinion leading to Prison and Martyrdom. Such Qualities are Saints Made of.
Thank you, Tom, Well said!
Love the beauty of your words Father Dave!!! Loveeeeee Advent a new beginning to let go of the old habits and begin with the beauty of good, loving habits which touch our world with our precious Jesus; LOVE!!!The beauty is in giving love, we receive love in our hearts!! Loveeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee it!!! Have a beautiful Advent Father Dave and a most Blessed Christmas!!! All our love!!!
Loveeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee, Franca and Dick
Thank you!