GOD CALLS THE SINNERS

Second Sunday of Advent (B) 
Is 40:1-5, 9-11/Ps 85/2 Pt 3:8-14/Mk 1:1-8 

Today's Sunday Gospel comes from the beginning of the Gospel according to St. Mark. St. Mark the Evangelist begins his narrative on the life of Christ by writing about the forerunner of Christ. The forerunner of the Lord is none other than his cousin, St. John the Baptist. St. John the Baptist is a very important figure in the life of Jesus. John the Baptist prepares the people to meet the Messiah, who is Jesus Himself. In the closing lines of the Gospel, John the Baptist even confesses that Jesus is greater than him. 

As the forerunner of the Lord Jesus Christ, St. John the Baptist calls everyone to confess their sins and turn back to God. This is in preparation to meet Jesus, the long-awaited promised Messiah. John the Baptist is responsible for preparing the people for the coming of Jesus. The role of John the Baptist is like the role of the best man in a wedding. Jesus is the groom while John the Baptist is the best man. 

Turning back to God is a very good way to prepare ourselves for Christmas. As part of our Advent preparation, let us turn back to God by turning away from our sins. Repentance is a very good way in preparation for the celebration of Christmas. John the Baptist says in today's Gospel passage, "Prepare the way of the Lord, make straight His path." In preparation for Christmas and for the coming of the Lord in our lives, let us prepare ourselves by turning back to the Lord. He is waiting for us. 

John the Baptist's message comes from God, he is just the messenger. God is calling us, the sinners, to turn back to Him. The Lord wants us to return to Him, to turn away from sin and come back to Him. One thing God would never do is to reject a sinner who repents of their sin and come back to Him. God is very merciful and compassionate. Our God is merciful, compassionate, and loving. He did not send the Messiah, Jesus Christ, to condemn us of our sins, but to save us (John 3:16). 

Let us heed the call of the Lord to repentance. He is waiting for us to repent. God does not want us to perish because of our sins. Although God has a punishment for those hearts who refuse to repent, it is not in His will that mankind to suffer. He wants to save mankind from sin and be with Him. God is waiting for us to return to Him. Let us return to God with all our heart by repenting of our sins and turning back to Him in preparation for Christmas and for the coming of the Lord.