Advent 2nd Wk December 9, 2018
Reflection on the WORD
Repentance: In today’s Gospel, John the Baptist proclaimed, “a Baptism of Repentance for the forgiveness of sins.” When we have sincere sorrow for our sins, we will experience the gift of humility to open our hearts to receive God’s Merciful Love. Then the joy to know Jesus more personally will follow.
Lk 3:1-6
In the fifteenth year of Tiberius Caesar's reign, when Pontius Pilate was governor of Judaea, Herod tetrarch of Galilee, his brother Philip tetrarch of the territories of Ituraea and Trachonitis, Lysanias tetrarch of Abilene, and while the high-priesthood was held by Annas and Caiaphas, the word of God came to John the son of Zechariah, in the desert.
He went through the whole Jordan area proclaiming a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins, as it is written in the book of the sayings of Isaiah the prophet: A voice of one that cries in the desert: Prepare a way for the Lord, make his paths straight! Let every valley be filled in, every mountain and hill be levelled, winding ways be straightened and rough roads made smooth, and all humanity will see the salvation of God.
Today's Pointers on God's Word
As you read the passage what words, phases or meanings caught your attention?
- •John the Baptist’s call to repentance is meant for all peoples in every age. It is as relevant to us today as it was for the Jews 2000 years ago.
- •He is inviting us to acknowledge our sins and to have an interior change of heart in preparation to receive Jesus, Our lord and Saviour.
- •Are we willing to change our ways of living? Are we willing to give up sinful habits and addictions and live according to the Gospel? Will we open our hearts to God, to experience His love and His joy? Ponder on this.