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Reflection on this Sunday's scripture readings
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Isaiah 40:1-5,9 -11
Psalm 84
2 Peter 3:8-14
Mark 1:1-8
During this second week of Advent we are asked to "prepare a way for the Lord", a phrase first used by the prophet Isaiah. He was speaking to the people of Israel whose time of exile in Babylon had come to an end. Their leaders' task now is to console them and remind them of their close relationship with God. In terms reminiscent of the exodus, Isaiah proclaims a way back from exile through the wilderness which will bring both comfort and salvation to Israel. The whole world will see the manifestation of the Lord when he comes in glory displaying both power and tender care.
Today's gospel quotes the words of Isaiah which Christians apply to John the Baptist who, in the setting of the wilderness prepared the way for the coming of the Lord by proclaiming a baptism of repentance. Going through John's ritual of baptism expressed a person's willingness to change and God's willingness to forgive.
This week let us find time, in the middle of our busyness, to prepare a way for the Lord's coming this Christmas. Let us listen to the voice that speaks in our hearts of forgiveness, peace, comfort and tender care, and be ready when he comes again in glory.
