Christian Reflection and Prayer

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.

O King of all nations, Jesus Christ,
only joy of every heart,
come and save your people.