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1 John 5:5-13
Psalm 147:12-13, 14-15, 19-20
Mark1:7-11 or Luke 3:23-38 or 3:23, 31-34, 36, 38
Summary
The first reading from John tells us that those who believe in the name of
the Son of God will have eternal life. The Gospel from Mark contains two
parts. The first is part of the Gospel from Mark that was used during the
second Sunday of Advent. About how John talks about the coming of Je-
sus and how John is not worthy to loosen the thongs of his sandals. The
second part of the Gospel is the baptism of Jesus.
Reflection
Monsignor gave a wonderful homily about the first part of the Gospel dur-
ing Advent. He reflected on how, when we assist someone we might look
down upon then. We may consider ourselves more important than the in-
dividual or individuals who are in need of our help.
During the time of Jesus, slaves had to answer to their masters. They had
to do all that they were commanded to do, except for one thing, to loosen
the straps of their master’s sandals. When John talks about the coming of
Jesus and how he is not worthy to loosen the straps of his sandals, he is
saying that he, John, is lower than a slave in the presence of Jesus. Then
later, at the last supper, we have Jesus washing the feet of his disciples, a
true act of service and humility.
With the baptism of Jesus by John, we have the heavens being torn open
and a voice from the heavens “you are my beloved Son; with you I am well
pleased.”
This Gospel fits well together. We need to be humble when we serve the
needs of others. We are not mighty because we can help; rather, we are