Reflection on Mark 1:1-8 ~
Do those who know you appreciate the ways you are a Christian, one of which is silence? St. John the Baptist originally let silence call him to his ministry. Taking the time for silence, allows God’s call to surface from within so we can proclaim the Good News in our own unique ways. To proclaim could be just being a parent, caring for a stranger, or at the extreme allowing the Spirit to put you in front of a crowd. In the point on the continuum God has for you, the way will be first prepared through silence.
Saint John the Baptist Sees Jesus from Afar, James Tissot, Brooklyn Museum
Additional Ordinary Time Reflections
Mark 1 New Revised Standard Version Catholic Edition (NRSVCE)
The Proclamation of John the Baptist
1 The beginning of the good news of Jesus Christ, the Son of God.
2 As it is written in the prophet Isaiah,
“See, I am sending my messenger ahead of you,
who will prepare your way;
3 the voice of one crying out in the wilderness:
‘Prepare the way of the Lord,
make his paths straight,’”
4 John the baptizer appeared in the wilderness, proclaiming a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins. 5 And people from the whole Judean countryside and all the people of Jerusalem were going out to him, and were baptized by him in the river Jordan, confessing their sins. 6 Now John was clothed with camel’s hair, with a leather belt around his waist, and he ate locusts and wild honey. 7 He proclaimed, “The one who is more powerful than I is coming after me; I am not worthy to stoop down and untie the thong of his sandals. 8 I have baptized you with water; but he will baptize you with the Holy Spirit.”
Thank you for meditating on this daily Gospel reading and considering this Mark 1:1-8 Reflection – Prepared Through Silence.