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Full lections can be read here.
Based on the Readings as Set
First Reading (Isaiah 40:1-11)
Yahweh commands Isaiah to comfort his people with the good news that the time of waiting is over and he is coming in great power to set things right. A voice in the wilderness will call the people to prepare for his arrival. Unlike humans, both Yahweh and his word are utterly dependable.
Psalm (85:1-2, 8-13)
Based on Yahweh’s faithfulness in the past, the Psalmist is confident of the imminent arrival of his salvation with his glory filling the restored land. Righteousness will go before him, preparing the way for an overflowing of love, peace and faithfulness.
Second Reading (2 Peter 3:8-15a)
Given the seeming delay in the Day of the Lord St. Peter asserts that God is not bound by our reckoning of time. Be assured that his promise of a new cosmos will come true, dramatically and without warning. Delay allows time to come to repentance and gives opportunity for holy living, hastening the Day.
Gospel (Mark 1:1-8)
St. Mark begins his Gospel with the appearance of John the Baptist in the wilderness fulfilling Isaiah’s prophecy regarding events preceding the arrival of Yahweh. John is preaching a baptism of repentance and announcing the coming of a greater one who will baptize with the Holy Spirit.
CONNECTION SUGGESTIONS
- Preparing the way of the Lord
- The coming of the Lord
- God and time
- The purpose of God’s delay
- Voices in the wilderness
- Good News and Bad News