Religious Education
Term 4 Week 10
The Second Week of Advent
In the hustle and bustle of December, the season of Advent is an invitation to set our minds off the stresses of the year and find peace in Jesus. As a faith community, we focus our thoughts on the gift God has given us in His son Jesus who came down from heaven and took the form of a man so that we might believe. The night of Christmas changed the course of history for us.
A tradition for the second Sunday of Advent includes lighting the second purple candle in a wreath that is a symbol of faith. We go to Holy Mass, read scripture, pray, and reflect on the hope God’s plan gives us foretold by the prophets of the Old Testament and fulfilled by the life and death of Christ in the Gospel. This week may we meditate on the promise of Christ’s coming glory-filled return. Click here for more family Advent activties to do together.
Gospel Reflection
Gospel Reading
John the Baptist preaches repentance and baptizes people in preparation for the one who would baptize with the Holy Spirit.
Unpacking the Scriptures
We read this Sunday from the beginning of the Gospel of Mark. Mark does not include any details of Jesus’ birth unlike Luke and Matthew. Instead he begins with John the Baptist appearing in the desert, calling out to the Jewish people to "prepare the way" for Jesus and the salvation he would bring us.
Mark highlights the Jewish prophetic tradition in his writings of John the Baptist. The Gospel author combines quotes from the Old Testament book prophets of Malachi, Isaiah, and Exodus. John is described as living in the desert, clothed in camel hair, and eating locusts and wild honey, which draws parallels to the prophet Elijah found in the book of Second Kings. The Jews flock to John, drawn to this prophetic figure, listening to his message of repentance and forgiveness.
John baptizes with water, but he warns that another who is to come will baptize with the Holy Spirit. John’s baptism was not a Christian baptism, but a preparation for the Sacrament of Baptism through which sins are forgiven and the gift of the Holy Spirit is received. We, too, are called upon to prepare a way for the Lord. Like John the Baptist, we are prophetic messengers in service to one who is greater than we. Our Baptism calls us to spread the Good News as disciples of Jesus.
Family Connection
Led by the Holy Spirit, we use this Advent season to renew our lives so that like John the Baptist, we may prepare the way for Jesus. As you gather together as a family, talk about ways in which the example of others has called you to be a disciple. Name and describe people who have been examples to you of Christian discipleship (e.g. a saint, a friend, parent, teacher, community leader, etc.) As a family, identify one action of love that you can take this week to demonstrate how you are a follower of Jesus, preparing the way for Christmas.
Pray
Read aloud Mark 1:1-8together. In this second week of Advent, ask that the Holy Spirit will continue to fill your hearts as we prepare for Christ’s coming.
Come Holy Spirit,
Help us make room in our hearts; help us clear out all that is not from You, so that Your light may fill us with the fruits of hope, faith, joy and peace. As we prepare for Jesus’ coming, let Your love fill our hearts and minds; let Your peace inform our words, actions, and attitudes. We pray this in the name of Jesus Christ, our Lord and Prince of Peace.
Amen.
God bless,
India Mitchell-Fletcher
Religious Education Leader