SUNDAY, DECEMBER 6
Isaiah 40:1-5, 9-11; Psalm 85; 2 Peter 3:8-14; Mark 1:1-8
"A voice cries out: In the desert prepare the way of the LORD!" (Isaiah 40:3)
We know Advent is a season of preparation. Preparation for Christmas, yes, but more importantly, it is preparation of our hearts and communities for Christ’s coming in glory.
As today's first reading reminds us, the work of preparation requires us to leave our comfort zones and go out into the desert - to step out in faith into the unknown and dangerous wasteland, to go from a place of security to vulnerability.
By adopting this posture of vulnerability, we come to know the truth that the desert is the place where we encounter the Lord. Just as the Israelites in Exodus learned to trust in God through their wandering, so, too, do we find God waiting to sustain us with manna and water from the rock, as we seek to build up the Kingdom.
In our own lives and ministries, even if not literally, we are called into the desert. As Pope Francis often reminded us, we are called to the margins – where God can transform our poverty and vulnerability to meet the needs of the poor and vulnerable we encounter there.
JT Kennelly, President and CEO
SMP Health
Pause
As we prepare for Christ's coming, what are the deserts we are called to enter? In our ministries? In our hearts?
Pray
God of the Universe, Creator of Light and Dark: You have formed us together as one body to proclaim Your peace. Draw us beyond our own narrowness to recognize Christ within ourselves and one another. Help us to choose unity – humility over pride and patience over anger. Make in us Your dwelling place, O God, that we may be worthy builders of Your Kingdom and true instruments of Your grace. Amen.