Advent Retreat – 8

Second Sunday of Advent

– You can ponder on the picture. For a method of praying with pictures click button below.
– You can pray on the words of Scripture. For methods of praying with scripture click button below.
– You can follow the suggestions in the daily ‘Reflection’.
– You can listen to the music


Today’s Scripture

Mark 1:1-8 (HSCB)

The beginning of the gospel of Jesus Christ, the Son of God. As it is written in Isaiah the prophet:

Look, I am sending My messenger ahead of You,
who will prepare Your way.

A voice of one crying out in the wilderness:
Prepare the way for the Lord;
make His paths straight!

John came baptizing in the wilderness and preaching a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins. The whole Judean countryside and all the people of Jerusalem were flocking to him, and they were baptized by him in the Jordan River as they confessed their sins. John wore a camel-hair garment with a leather belt around his waist and ate locusts and wild honey. He was preaching: “Someone more powerful than I will come after me. I am not worthy to stoop down and untie the strap of His sandals. I have baptized you with water, but He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit.”


Reflection

Imagine the scene of John the Baptist, preaching and washing those who came in crowds, seeking a change of life.

Change is hard, yet there comes a point when people long for it, want it, and come seeking it. John tells us that one is coming who can respond to this need. The presence of Jesus, and the power of the Holy Spirit can make things different, and change is always possible.

What is there in today’s reading that draws, attracts or challenges you? Do you recognise a longing for change in any aspect of your life? Imagine what life would be like if this actually happened, and ask God to be part of this imagined future. It may become a reality.


Today’s Music


Click to purchase “Lord I Need You” by Matt Maher