2nd Sunday Advent – Summary so far…

Advent’s first two gospel passages from Mark (c. 13, then c. 1) deal with the same reality in different ways.  On the first Sunday of Advent, Jesus proclaims (c. 13) “Be watchful!  Be ready!  Be alert! for you don not know when the Son of Man is coming.”  Like a thief in the night.

John the Baptist speaks to those in the wilderness on the second Sunday of Advent saying, “Prepare the way of the Lord!”  He calls them / us to a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins.  What if…

What if these two gospels refer to the same reality from different sides?

What if Repent! basically equals Be Watchful!  You know not when… Not to instill fear.  Rather, to call us to that kind of attentiveness that looks for new opportunities to encounter Christ in our depths.  Which encounter would transform us.  Which would mean we repented (!)

Check it out!

Happy Advent! –roc,sj