From the very start of St. Mark’s Gospel, we are left in no doubt about the mission of Jesus and His disciples. St. Mark paints a vivid picture of an imperfect world into which a prophet, eating locusts and honey, and dressed in animal skins, suddenly emerges to announce a coming change. The people flock to see John the Baptist because they know that the world needs to change. John clearly understands this struggle, but he acknowledges that it is not a change that he can accomplish himself. John is the messenger who announces the coming of one much greater than himself, one who is strong enough to tackle the world for ever. Jesus will baptize His disciples with the Holy Spirit, so that they will be equipped to bring about the peace and justice for which humanity has waited so long. It is fascinating that none of the traditional elements of the Christmas story have their origins in St. Mark’s Gospel. There are no angels, shepherds or kings. There is no mention of a star in the sky, Mary and Joseph, or even the baby Jesus. For St. Mark, the real issue is the radical breakthrough to the new world of the Good News, which Jesus would later describe as the kingdom of God. St. Mark makes it clear that Jesus is the Messiah and the Son of God. People are drawn to John the Baptist from far and wide to hear this momentous news.
John lived what he preached. Simplicity of life and detachment from unnecessary cares and worries about social life free the heart for a personal relationship with God. In this season of Advent the Church extends to us the call of John the Baptist to repent and confess our sins in preparation for the one who is to come. It is an opportunity to rediscover our hope and trust in God and to let go of false hopes and securities. It is a time for revisiting our life plans, relationships and priorities. Everything that follows from the opening sentence of today’s Gospel – the whole adventure of Jesus among us – marks a new beginning, the beginning of the Good News. Let us reflect upon some new beginnings for ourselves. Consider projects and opportunities that permit us to evaluate our priorities and renew our Christian commitment and what it means for us in the actions of our daily lives. What about projects we can undertake as members of a Christian community? As today’s Gospel shows us, the historical coming of Jesus enjoyed a time of preparation. We too are given this time of preparation in the lead-up to Christmas. Celebrating Advent fully can help us to use this time well for repentance and renewal.