Second Sunday in Advent (Dec. 4, 2011)

"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." Would you like to be in the wilderness where John was? Perhaps this is a distinct occurrence in your life. It is possible it could be in practicing what you preach (literally and wholly). Your struggles could also be your wilderness. The loss of a partner or spouse, friends, family, or a loved one can be the greatest wilderness you face. Think of an illness that could be a wilderness maybe cancer or Parkinson's disease. Now if you replace those thoughts with the love and care God provides for us that wilderness becomes the city. Saint John was so humble that he shared how little he could do for others and how unworthy he is to "untie the thong of His (Jesus) sandal." Saint John didn't want to baptize our Lord, but Jesus required him to. "The Lord was baptized, not to be cleansed himself but to cleanse the waters, so that those waters, cleansed by the flesh of Christ which knew no sin, might have the power of baptism. Whoever comes, therefore, to the washing of Christ lays aside his sins (Saint Ambrose)." Likewise those who seek Christ will find him. There are wildernesses and valleys just as there are mountain tops during this odyssey called life. However, we should be convinced that God has everything under control. Look at some of the wildernesses you have came out of. Consider all the rivers you have crossed. Don't forget to praise Him in the wilderness and just as strongly as you do on the mountaintop. Saint John reminds us to repent (to completely change course). Repentance should be done regularly. When you truly love God you will examine yourself so that you can repent. Don't take this task lightly. Boldly live out your Baptismal Covenant. Let your life be an expression of God's love and compassion. Let your light so shine that others may see God in you. Amen.

***Pray especially for healing for: Terese Gluck, Rose Mauzy, David Garber and family, Pete & Mary Jane Walburg, Ginny Henline, Tommy Thompson, John & Delberta Allen, Misty McCoy, Madeline Vaught, Nathan McConnell, Camden Albano, Peggy Ann Turner, Pam Shinault, Jimmy Milas, Katie Armstrong, Donald Kaltenback, Harry MacRae, and Susan Beeler.


Collect:
MERCIFUL GOD, who sent your messengers the prophets to preach repentance and prepare the way for our salvation: Give us grace to heed their warnings and forsake our sins, that we may greet with joy in the coming of Jesus Christ our Redeemer; who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.

We thank Bishop George D. Young III for his beautiful Homily. We cordially welcome Kris, Ron, Christie, and Greg as our newest members. We are thankful for each of you.

(1st Reading Isaiah 40:1-11, Psalm 85:1-2, 8-13, 2nd Reading 2 Peter 3:8-15a, Gospel Mark 1:1-8)