When
John the Baptizer made his appearance as a preacher in the desert of
Judea, this was his them: Reform your lives. The reign of God is at
hand!" Mt. 3:1
Second Sunday of Advent
O Jesus,
in an empty desert your prophet John proclaimed: God is here, at your
side. God has come to bring about a kingdom where injustice and suffering
will be no more, where tears will be wiped away, and where those who
turn to God will feast at a banquet.
"Turn
now, your God is standing at your side. Reform your lives, God's kingdom
is at hand."
In an empty desert John said these things.
Give
me faith like John's, O Lord, strong enough to believe even in a desert
that you and your kingdom are no farther from me than my hand.
Make
my heart strong like his, not swayed by trials or snared by false pleasures.
Give me courage to be faithful until your promises are fulfilled.
of all nations, Jesus Christ,
only joy of every heart,
come and save your people.