So John began to baptize in the desert; he preached a baptism of repentance, for the forgiveness of sins. All Judea and all the people from the city of Jerusalem went out to John to confess their sins, and to be baptized by him in the river Jordan.
    John was clothed in camel‘s hair and wore a leather belt around his waist. His food was locusts and honey. He preached to the people, saying, “After me comes one who is more powerful than I am; I have baptized you with water, but he will baptize you in the Holy Spirit.“

REFLECTION:
Read: The call rings out for preparing the way of the Lord. God patiently grants us time so that we come to conversion and be rooted in peace. John the Baptist preaches the baptism of repentance.
Reflect: In a world of fast food, lightning speed, and instant results, waiting or taking time to prepare sounds out of place. It feels like waste of time. Advent hardly exists for many–soon after thanksgiving begins Christmas celebration, and by the time Christmas begins, everyone is worn out. However, life and relationships of quality can only develop over careful preparation and patient waiting. It energizes our soul, concentrates the mind, and intensifies our desire for what we are waiting for. How good is our preparation for the coming of the Lord?
Pray: Lord, create in me a chastity of mind that waits in preparedness for your coming.
Act: Undertake a meaningful fast today.