Reflections
Published on 3. December 2014

The second candle is lit

written by Juliana

Second Sunday of Advent.
Isaiah 40:1-5, 9-11, Psalm 85, 2 Peter 3:8-14 Mark 1:1-8

02-adventThis time of Advent is a good opportunity to go more deeply into ourselves and with God to see what we did last year and what we should let go of this year. We can think about what step I can take to grow and to renew my relationship with God and others in the new year. I should be ready while waiting for God, like John the Baptist who asks us to prepare ourselves and repent because the kingdom is near. How can we prepare ourselves for the Child Jesus to be born in our hearts? Are we able to wait for Jesus like John the Baptist says to us? What kinds of seeds should I bury in the good earth letting them die to be able to grow and produce much fruit? All these questions will help me to think about my life and how can I be with God.

We can return to God with humble prayer and prepare a place for him, to let him enter our lives and be born in our hearts: then he will make us rejoice again in him. The seeds I should plant so they can grow and bear fruit: to straighten my life and tell the truth, to be humble like Jesus, to be in solidarity with the poor, to be with all people poor or rich, children or adults.

When we return to God he always opens his arms for all of us because he is merciful and wants all people to be happy. “I tell you, there will be more joy in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous who need no repentance.” (Luke 15:7)
John the Baptist is the voice of the Word (Jn1:23), witness of the light (Jn1:7:8), friend of the Bridegroom (Jn3:29:30). Our God always wants peace for all people and we can be sure that when we ask God to accept us he will always be there, waiting for us to return to him. I should wait for God and not let him wait for me. This year I should prepare a place in my heart for the Child Jesus.
Prayer: O God help us to be ready for you when you come to be born in our hearts like a small child. Open our hearts and our eyes to see you in our neighbors, friends, families, children, communities, and let us to be in peace always with you and others this year. Amen.

written by Victoria