2nd Sunday of Advent

BEADS OF JOY 12-09-12 “2^nd Sunday of Advent”
©2012 James Dacey, Jr. OFS

My Friends,

Today is the Second Sunday of Advent: What are we preparing for? If we were living in Jesus’ time would we recognize the message of His coming? In meeting John the Baptist; would his appearance make his message believable or not? Why was John living like he was in the wilderness anyway? John’s main focus in his life was to direct all of us to Jesus; his only purpose was to point the way to the coming Messiah. One thing is certain, John made sure he stayed focused. I would say it was God’s direction for John to live in wilderness, away from the hustle and bustle of any city or town; that way he can stay focused on his ministry of preparing the way of the Lord. This week we will look at how we can PREPARE ourselves and our life for Jesus. When you get ready for a visit from someone, someone you really can’t wait to see or be with; how do you PREPARE for their visit? Are you spiritually ready, or do you need to PREPARE? If John were to approached you today and told you all about Jesus, honestly, be honest; would take him seriously? It wouldn’t be easy by his appearance I admit.

Today’s Gospel is Luke 3:1-6 (The Preaching of John the Baptist). Even with 20/20 vision and a brain that some might say is rather brilliant; one could easily oversee and even underestimate, or even dismiss the preaching of someone trying to save their soul. Are you sleep-walking or are your ears sealed closed to anything in regards to a message about Jesus? Starting today, yes on this very day, focus, PREPARE and begin to stay tuned to channels that only talk about Jesus. You know there’s a saying that to me is rather brilliant, but not new to many, it’s an old saying. “Junk in- Junk out” that is referring to what message we send to our brain and to our heart and to our soul; with what we hear and see and involve ourselves in each day. PREPARE now for that time that you will have to stand before God; inevitably we all will. You don't believe me, I understand, not many believed John either. The week ahead will be all about how we can PREPARE for His coming.

Today’s Scripture:

-1st Reading: Baruch 5:1-9
(Jerusalem Consoled: The Captivity About To End)

-Psalm: Psalm 126:1-2, 2-3, 4-5, 6
“The Lord has done great things for us; we are filled with joy.”

-2nd Reading: Philippians 1:4-6, 8-11
(Greeting - Thanksgiving)

-Gospel: Luke 3:1-6
(The Preaching of John the Baptist)

“Jesus, I Trust in You.”

Your Brother in Christ Jesus
and His Most Precious Mother Mary,
Jimmy (The Rosary Man) Dacey Jr OFS