"ADVENT PREPARATIONS: REPENTANCE"
First Reading: Isaiah 11: 1-10
Second Reading: Romans 15: 4-9
Gospel Reading: Matthew 3: 1-12
*First reading is from the book of Prophet Isaiah. In this passage Isaiah describes the person of Messiah when he comes. He will be an ideal King who will bring two great gifts to the world; two gifts the world is in great need: they are justice and peace. The sign of his kingdom will be seen in nature too: wolf dwelling with the lamb; leopard lies down with the kid; calf and lion live together. There will be no hurt or destruction in nature. Advent is the ideal time to prepare for the coming of the King of peace and justice.
* Second reading is from St. Paul's letter to Romans. In this passage Paul speaks about the importance of hope. He says Jesus Christ is the hope of all humans. In Him we find hope, harmony and peace. Just as Jesus welcomes everyone to share the joys of His Kingdom we must extend a welcome to one another united in body and mind to offer glory to God.
"John's call to repentance"
Today's Gospel reading is from St. Matthew. In this passage we have the call of John the Baptist in the wilderness. John invited everyone to repent, for the Kingdom of God is close at hand. John's appearance in the wilderness was rather eccentric. He wore a garment of camel's hair with a leather belt. His food was locusts and honey. John called the people from every walk of life to repentance and to be baptized. Those who were moved by his call confessed their sins and were baptized. Hence John's call is for everyone for a change of heart. John warns that those who do not change their lives will face punishment.
John recalled the infidelity of Israel and spoke of the promised Messiah who would be more powerful than he and who would exercise His authority and judgement. Thus the call to repentance that we hear in the season of Advent is addressed to all of us. We need to address the areas in which need to change. We need to be transformed and to be touched by the forgiving love of God. Unless we accept our sins and failures and correct them we cannot truly prepare for the coming of the Lord.
"Repentance means change and it takes a humble person to change". - E.T. Benson.
"Of all acts of man, repentance is the most divine". - Thomas Carlyle.
"How else but through a broken heart may Lord Jesus Christ enter in". - Oscar Wild.
First Reading: Isaiah 11: 1-10
Second Reading: Romans 15: 4-9
Gospel Reading: Matthew 3: 1-12
*First reading is from the book of Prophet Isaiah. In this passage Isaiah describes the person of Messiah when he comes. He will be an ideal King who will bring two great gifts to the world; two gifts the world is in great need: they are justice and peace. The sign of his kingdom will be seen in nature too: wolf dwelling with the lamb; leopard lies down with the kid; calf and lion live together. There will be no hurt or destruction in nature. Advent is the ideal time to prepare for the coming of the King of peace and justice.
* Second reading is from St. Paul's letter to Romans. In this passage Paul speaks about the importance of hope. He says Jesus Christ is the hope of all humans. In Him we find hope, harmony and peace. Just as Jesus welcomes everyone to share the joys of His Kingdom we must extend a welcome to one another united in body and mind to offer glory to God.
"John's call to repentance"
Today's Gospel reading is from St. Matthew. In this passage we have the call of John the Baptist in the wilderness. John invited everyone to repent, for the Kingdom of God is close at hand. John's appearance in the wilderness was rather eccentric. He wore a garment of camel's hair with a leather belt. His food was locusts and honey. John called the people from every walk of life to repentance and to be baptized. Those who were moved by his call confessed their sins and were baptized. Hence John's call is for everyone for a change of heart. John warns that those who do not change their lives will face punishment.
John recalled the infidelity of Israel and spoke of the promised Messiah who would be more powerful than he and who would exercise His authority and judgement. Thus the call to repentance that we hear in the season of Advent is addressed to all of us. We need to address the areas in which need to change. We need to be transformed and to be touched by the forgiving love of God. Unless we accept our sins and failures and correct them we cannot truly prepare for the coming of the Lord.
"Repentance means change and it takes a humble person to change". - E.T. Benson.
"Of all acts of man, repentance is the most divine". - Thomas Carlyle.
"How else but through a broken heart may Lord Jesus Christ enter in". - Oscar Wild.
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