Sunday 10 December 2017

Second Sunday of Advent 2017 A Reflection

2nd Sunday of Advent 2017


Today is the Second Sunday of Advent. Today's readings at mass are:

First Reading Isaiah 40:1-5, 9-11
Responsorial Psalm 85: 8-13 Response 7
Second Reading 2 Peter 3:8-14
Gospel Mark 1:1-8

The new church year is under way. We are now a week into the new church year. Christmas is fast approaching and this season of Advent, sort of a mini Lent or Lent Lite, as it was referred to in last nights sermon,  is under way. The first verse of the first reading is Isaiah 40:1 "Comfort, O Comfort my people, says your God." What is our comfort this season. I find that i struggle more in December with my emotions,my anger, my anxiety more than any other time of year. I do not enjoy shopping at the best of times, I especially do not like shopping from mid November through to mid January. I find the business, the hustle and bustle too much. I would rather just stay home with my kids and a book or a good family movie. 

Bot the first reading and the Gospel reinforce the message of 'Prepare the way of the Lord!' I need to prepare for him. I need to be working on myself. on becoming the best version of my self. For far too many Christmases I have felt like an outsider, on the edge looking in. In many ways I am fundamentally broken. I need the restoration that Jesus brings. I need the healing of the Holy Spirit, on my mind, in my body, and my spirit. But in order to do that I need to be receptive. I need to truly repent, to turn around, to allow the work of God to heal the old wounds in my life.

Repentance is mentioned in all three readings today. For almost two years now I have been praying to live more joy. Some days I do better than others, a gratitude journal has helped. But this month it has been a real struggle. What are you struggling with at the moment. What do you need to turn away from, or turn towards. Let this season star changes in you that will last well beyond Christmas. 




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