December 7, 2008

"A single act of kindness throws out roots in all directions, and the roots spring up and make new trees. The greatest work that kindness does to others is that it makes them kind themselves." -- Amelia Earhart

When we were on a tour of the Holy Land in 1975, we witnessed people being baptized in the river Jordan. Watching them reminded us of the scene in this week's gospel where John was baptizing people and encouraging them to mend their ways, have hope, because a messiah is coming.

Advent in salvation history represents the time when the Jews were waiting for a messiah to come and make their lives better. With the birth of Jesus, that history changes now to welcome him. The main themes of Advent are the coming of Jesus--in history, into our lives each day, and his final coming at the end of time.

Mark quotes Isaiah saying to prepare the way and make a clear path for Jesus to come. We decorate our homes and put lights in the windows. We are also to prepare our hearts to receive him -- by prayer, reconciliation with others, and good works. Advent is a time to take personal inventory. What hurts and burdens do we have to let go of to make Jesus' path clear? What voices do we have to shut out in order to hear Jesus' voice?

Mark's gospel was the first to be written down, approximately 70 A.D., almost 40 years after Jesus' death and resurrection. Time is passing, disciples are dying, and Mark is hurriedly writing about Jesus for future generations. He doesn't talk about Jesus' birth; he starts with the beginning of Jesus' ministry. Mark's message to us is the same as John the Baptist's was to the people then --turn away from evil and prepare our hearts to welcome Jesus.

My daughter sent me this website to check out. Take a few minutes, and you will be glad you did.
http://www.theinterviewwithgod.com -- click on "View Presentation."