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Sunday, December 8, 1996

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2nd Sunday of Advent


Isaiah 40:1-5, 9-11
Psalm 85
2 Peter 3:8-14
Mark 1:1-8

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hurry up and wait!

"While waiting for this, make every effort..." —2 Peter 3:14

Many of us have been waiting for years for certain people in our lives to change. "While waiting for this," we put our time to good use, making "every effort" to change them. We offer constructive criticism, words of wisdom, and even rebukes when we feel this would be effective. Year by year, we chip away at these people, leveling the mountains and filling in the valleys, trying to hasten God's action in their lives.

The Lord tells us in today's readings how we can help Him speed up the process of change:

  • Lower the mountains by humbling yourself, immersing yourself in a baptism of repentance (Mk 1:4).
  • Fill in the valleys by removing the gaps of inconsistency in living out your baptism (Mk 1:5).
  • Hasten God's action by changing yourself, making "every effort to be found without stain or defilement" (2 Pt 3:14), "holy in your conduct and devotion" (2 Pt 3:11).

    • The followers of John the Baptizer kept these instructions, and within a few weeks, Jesus came and changed their world (Mk 1:14ff).

    Prayer:  Father, may all my waiting be spent in listening to You.

    Promise:  "He will baptize you in the Holy Spirit." —Mk 1:8

    Praise:  Praise You, Jesus! Your glory "shall be revealed, and all mankind shall see it together" (Is 40:5). Alleluia!

    Reference:  (This teaching was submitted by one of our editors.)

    Nihil Obstat:  Reverend Edward J. Gratsch, June 20, 1996


    Imprimatur:  †Most Reverend Carl K. Moeddel, Vicar General and Auxiliary Bishop of the Archdiocese of Cincinnati, June 26, 1996