Hope Crossing Ministries

Second Sunday of Advent
Sunday, December 10th, 2023

Click to read this week's Gospel

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A voice of one crying out in the desert: “Prepare the way of the Lord, make straight his paths.” Mark 1:3
 
We turn today to the beginning of Mark's Gospel. Mark proclaims the witness of John the Baptist as the beginning of the good news of Jesus. We recall that John the Baptist is considered to be the “hinge prophet,” the last prophet of the Old Testament because he was born before Jesus, and the first prophet of the New Testament, because he is witness to the fulfillment of scripture, proclaiming that the messiah has arrived.
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The quotation attributed to Isaiah is actually a compilation of phrases from several Old Testament prophets, including Isaiah. Mark's approach serves to link the Baptist with God's eschatological promises and with Elijah. Mark changes Isaiah's text, putting "in the wilderness" with the "voice" rather than with the way of the Lord, and thus makes it match the life of the Baptist more closely.

The description of John's clothing also serves to link him with Elijah. John deliberately dressed like Elijah for two reasons: one, this way he was easily recognizable wearing a prophet's proper dress, and second, it helped the people of the day make the connection.

John calls the people of his time, and us, to repentance for the forgiveness of sins. Repentance requires us to be honest about the times we have fallen short in loving God and our neighbor as the Lord commands. Knowing that we are sinners is a necessary step in recognizing our need for the forgiveness God has graciously offered us through his Son, whose coming into the world we prepare to celebrate.
The main emphasis in Mark's treatment, however, is on the proclamation of Jesus as the one to come who surpasses John and whose baptism with the Holy Spirit surpasses John's baptism of mere water.

The words quoted from Isaiah use the image of preparing the way for a monarch traveling through the wilderness where there is no road. A crew of workers precedes him, making the way passable for his chariot, “Prepare the way of the Lord, make straight his paths.” (Mark 1:3) So the Baptist calls us to prepare.

In reflecting on this passage this week, it is good to renew our practice of the daily Ignatian EXAMEN, giving thanks for the glory of the day, examining our conscience to prepare for the Sacrament of Reconciliation, being inspired that our path was illuminated by our faith, and making a resolve to "make straight the path" in the new day.
It is good to remember that Mark emphasizes the beginning of the good news of Jesus. The text conveys an excitement that must have been experienced by those who heard John preach. As we place ourselves in the setting, it stirs the same excitement in us.

The day of the Lord is near! Prepare the way for him!
Prepare yourselves for his coming! 

Next Hope Crossing Praise & Worship
Wednesday, December 6th, 6:30 pm

Praise & Worship
6:30 pm - 8:00 pm

All Are Welcome!
Join us as we give praise to God for His Abundant Blessings!

Mark Your Calendars

And the 2nd and 4th Wednesday of the month:
December 6th, 2023
​December 13th, 2023

https://www.hopecrossingministries.com/
Where:  
Rock and Margo's Home
Eaton Rapids, Michigan
https://www.hopecrossingministries.com/