In his parish e-mail this week, Rev. Robert wrote this:
I don't know about you, but I have been enjoying our slow walk downhill into colder temperatures. I actually got out to ride my road bike mid-November. It was 10 degrees above [Celsius]! Loved that.
December is now upon us and the whirlwind of Advent has begun.
This Sunday we read about John the Baptist beginning his ministry preparation in the wilderness. The hubbub (or chaos) of pre-Christmas might mislead us about what "wilderness" signifies in the opening of the Gospel of Mark.
Wilderness in Mark is a quiet place, not the big bad jungle of beasts and the mythical survival of the fittest. It is rather a still point into which the outpouring of God's spirit can be heard and received. It is a place where one can hear and commit to the good news of the (coming) reality of the kingdom of God. This is true of both John the Baptist and Jesus in the Gospel of Mark, though we read Sunday only about John. [Mark 1:1-8]
I mention the still and quiet associated with Mark's mention of the "wilderness" not only to help frame our interpretation of scripture, but I want to contrast it to our customary busyness and festivity preparation (or fear).
... If we think on the quiet place of wilderness peace and the outpouring of God's spirit, perhaps we can endure the feeling of information overload that so often creeps our way these days.
In my defence, advanced notice can sometimes help us get organized, sort out our plans, and make clear commitments. Well, that is my hope...
Almighty God,
give us grace to cast away the works of darkness
and put on the armour of light,
now in the time of this mortal life
in which your Son Jesus Christ
came to us in great humility,
that on the last day,
when he shall come again in his glorious majesty
to judge both the living and the dead,
we may rise to the life immortal;
through him who lives and reigns
with you and the Holy Spirit,
one God, now and for ever. AMEN
May this bless your day. 😊
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