READ SCRIPTURE (Mark 1:1-8)

The beginning of the good news of Jesus Christ, the Son of God.

As it is written in the prophet Isaiah,

“See, I am sending my messenger ahead of you, who will prepare your way; the voice of one crying out in the wilderness: ‘Prepare the way of the Lord, make his paths straight,’”

John the baptizer appeared in the wilderness, proclaiming a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins. And people from the whole Judean countryside and all the people of Jerusalem were going out to him, and were baptized by him in the river Jordan, confessing their sins. Now John was clothed with camel’s hair, with a leather belt around his waist, and he ate locusts and wild honey. He proclaimed, “The one who is more powerful than I is coming after me; I am not worthy to stoop down and untie the thong of his sandals. I have baptized you with water; but he will baptize you with the Holy Spirit.”

REFLECT ON THE READING

For the gospel writer of Mark, the story of the Good News of Jesus Christ begins not with a birth of a child or a family tree tracing lineage back to a great patriarch. Mark begins with a clear proclamation – this is a book of good news (Gospel) about Jesus Christ, God’s Son. The first character encountered is a character indeed – John the Baptist. The passage quoted from Isaiah (verses 2-3) validates and foretells the role of John the Baptist: ‘Prepare the way of the Lord.’”

What are ways you prepare for worship?
How can someone from the “outside” help us see things in a different light?

PRAY

Come, Lord Jesus and be our guest. Let every heart prepare room for you. Amen.

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