Studies for Second Sunday in Advent – A – December 8, 2013
John the Baptist
John came onto the scene during an unsettled time in Judea's history. Following the independent rule of non-Davidic kings, Judea came under the rule of Rome. The populace was influenced by new and divisive voices. Should the people cooperate or oppose the Romans? How can a faith Jew maintain purity in the midst of Gentiles? How could the faithful truly follow God's Law? John's voice cut through these issues with a clarity. Repent, for no one is good enough for the Kingdom. Only a repentant heart can be received into the Kingdom.
BLOG LINK Who is really disruptive?
MP3 PODCAST In this week's audio podcast, we consider good actors. The goal of actors, like all good leaders, is to evoke action in his or her audience. John the Baptist was such an “actor;” he promoted repentance among the populace.
FIRST READING Isiah 11 presented a description of the ideal king for Israel: a son of David, a wise, prudent ruler, a fair judge, a firm peacemaker. The rise of this king would be the time of YHWH, the day of eternal peace.
PSALM Psalm 72 saw Solomon as the ideal king, the wise and fair judge.
SECOND READING Romans 15 saw the unity of the Church as a sign of the end times. Such unity, according to St. Paul, required patience, the instruction of Scripture and the activity of God.
GOSPEL In Matthew 3, we meet the fiery prophet, John the Baptist. He preached repentance as a means to prepare for the coming Messiah.
CHILDREN'S READINGS In the story for the first reading, Jamie and her mom faced a scary situation. But, Jamie remained calm and strong. She prayed with her mom. Jamie had the same qualities of leadership Isaiah saw in the future king of Israel. In the story for the gospel, Kim waited
CATECHISM LINK In this week's Catechism Link, we discuss the person and role of John the Baptist.
FAMILY ACTIVITY John the Baptist urged the people to change for the better. A family church visit on a weekday can signal such a change for you and your loved ones.
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