Greg Friedman, OFM

We twenty-first century Christians are so often caught up in our contemporary reality, that we can forget that God has intervened in our history.

With the Holy Spirit’s help we can take a message of joy and hope in Jesus Christ to a world that needs to hear it.

Today’s Advent readings find us listening to hope-filled messages with an emphasis on the ones who brings the message: Isaiah; Zion; and John the Baptist.

“Watchful waiting” is the command of Jesus in Mark’s Gospel. But isn’t that the way Christians are to be? We’re a people who lives in the world, yet awaits God’s revelation of a new and glorious world to come.

In today’s Gospel, Christ our King has identified completely with those who are hungry, thirsty, homeless, without clothing, in need of healing or imprisoned.