In Mark’s gospel, we hear the voice of one crying out in the wilderness: ‘Prepare the way of the Lord, make his paths straight.”
As we hear the beginning of the good news in Mark’s gospel, John is in the wilderness, preparing the way for Christ. Christ is present behind us, or in modern terms, Christ “has our back.” What does that mean to you?
John proclaims repentance and forgiveness as God makes the way ready. How do you picture John in your mind? Is there a time when repentance brought you new opportunities? For instance, how does engaging in anti-racist activities open new possibilities for us?
Repenting can be a way of coming to ourselves. In this season, take a few moments for something simple that helps you come to yourself – smell a spruce tree, watch a candle flame, listen to the sound of silence, or mindfully taste food or drink. How can that simple thing remind you of the good news for which John is preparing us – that Christ is behind us?
People of St. Timothy, I appreciate the ways that you share trust in Christ “having your back” with the promises of grace.
