6 December 2020
Second Sunday of Advent
In today’s Gospel St. Mark introduces us to John the Baptist, the one who prepares the way of the Lord. He comes with “power”, the power to give “comfort to his people,” as Isaiah says in the first reading, “Like a shepherd, he feeds his flock; in his arms he gathers the lambs, carrying them in his bosom, and leading the ewes with care.” Such, one might say, is the job description the Father gave to his son. But in our world today, it is difficult for many to see the presence of such a savior, and to cry out: “Fear not. Here is you God. He comes with power.” So, isn’t this Advent especially a time for more intense prayer? Prayer, not restricted to the many hungry sheep on our communities today, nor just for the lambs and ewes in Catholic schools. But, we should pray that our shepherds be opened to the power to preach Christ crucified in our present society.