Reflection

Gospel

Baptised with the spirit

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 baptised 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 baptised you with water; but he shall baptise you with the Holy Spirit.”                                         Mark 1: 1-8

Reflection

These are chaotic, uncertain times and we may feel that the only true north in our life is the peace that comes from God. What do we need to do to stay grounded in God so that we can give comfort to others and not add to their unease and worries? 

In the gospel, Mark describes how people from “the whole of Judean countryside and…. Jerusalem” were travelling to have John baptise them “as they acknowledged their sins.”  What are my sins that I need to acknowledge during this Advent season?  What barriers do I need to dismantle so I can prepare my heart for Jesus’? What is preventing me from becoming someone who can “organise a world according to God’s heart”?

Lastly, and this is for all of us who are overachievers and overly responsible, think back to what John the Baptist said in today’s Gospel.  John was very clear about what his role was: “I have baptised you with water; he will baptise you with the Holy Spirit.” John was preparing the world for Jesus, our Redeemer.  Instead of capitalising on his newfound ‘fame’, John humbly continued to fulfil the mission given to him.  John helps us realise that we don’t have to do everything, we just need to do our part.  Spending time with God will clarify our ‘role’ in these troubled times.

Maybe you’ll find that during this Advent season, we can all move towards becoming “...the new human being society needs.”

Julie Leonard Religious Education Leader/Wellbeing Leader