First Reading (Is 40:1-5, 9-11). The people are urged to prepare a way for the Lord who is coming to save them.

Second Reading (2 Pet 3:8-14). If the Lord appears to be slow in coming, it is to give people an opportunity to be ready to meet him when he comes.

Gospel (Mk 1:1-8). John the Baptist urges the people to prepare a way for the Lord, for the coming of the Saviour. Over the next two Sundays we hear of John the Baptist, the last of the great prophets, who heralds the coming of the Saviour. Jesus said of John the Baptist: “I tell you with certainty, among those born of woman no one has appeared who is greater than John the Baptist.” This is a fine tribute, and our desire for heaven is sharpened when Jesus adds: “Yet even the least important person in the kingdom of heaven is greater than he.” (Matthew 11.11) Today St Mark speaks of John the Baptist as the one foretold by Isaiah: “A voice cries in the wilderness: prepare a way for the Lord.” (Mark 1.1-3) John is a voice who cries in the wilderness. And what is his cry? “Repent; for the kingdom of heaven is close a hand.” (Mt 3.1). Jesus will cry out in the same way at the beginning of his public ministry: “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.” (Mt 4.17) So, part of our Advent practice is a call to repentance, a call to turn from sin and accept the love of Jesus, our Saviour.

Note: Our Second Rite of Reconciliation is on, Wednesday, 13th December – 7.30pm; Saturdays 8.30-9.30am.