DGeMs- Daily Gospel eMessage
Dear Friend in the Lord,
“John the Baptist – Mission”: In today’s Gospel, John the Baptist’s mission to “Prepare” for the Coming of the Messiah, was prophesised by the prophets and proclaimed by him personally through his message of urging people to repent of their sins. Ponder on, “How does God intend to use you to ‘prepare’ people’s hearts to live Jesus’ Good News more fully?”
Fr Philip Heng, S.J.
Mark 1:2-8
It is written in the prophet Isaiah: Look, I am going to send my messenger in front of you to prepare your way before you. A voice of one that cries in the desert: Prepare a way for the Lord, make his paths straight.
John the Baptist was in the desert, proclaiming a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins. All Judaea and all the people of Jerusalem made their way to him, and as they were baptised by him in the river Jordan they confessed their sins.
John wore a garment of camel-skin, and he lived on locusts and wild honey. In the course of his preaching he said, ‘After me is coming someone who is more powerful than me, and I am not fit to kneel down and undo the strap of his sandals. I have baptised you with water, but he will baptise you with the Holy Spirit.’