Gospel: Mark 1:1-8
This is the beginning of the Good News of Jesus Christ, the Son of God.
It is written in the book of Isaiah, the prophet, “I am sending my messenger ahead of you, to prepare your way.
Let the people hear the voice calling in the desert: Prepare the way of the Lord, level his paths.” So John began to baptize in the desert; he preached a baptism of repentance, for the forgiveness of sins.
All Judea and all the people from the city of Jerusalem went out to John to confess their sins, and to be baptized by him in the river Jordan. John was clothed in camel’s hair and wore a leather belt around his waist.
His food was locusts and honey. He preached to the people, saying, “After me comes one who is more powerful than I am; I have baptized you with water, but he will baptize you in the Holy Spirit.”
Reflection:
God is a compassionate and merciful God. He desires us to repent from our sinfulness and return to him. God is always ready to forgive us, though sometimes we are the ones who are hesitant in seeking to be reconciled with him. This is what John the Baptist challenges us today. He challenges us to be compassionate with others especially the poor and the marginalized.
Merciful and compassionate God, help us to be sorry for all the sins we committed and lead us to be reconciled with you and to be compassionate toward others as we await our final judgment.
