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Today, the Second Sunday of Advent, we meet John the Baptist.

Note the details in the first sentence of today’s gospel reading:

“John the Baptist appeared, preaching in the desert of Judea
and saying, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand!”

The word in the original Greek which is often translated as repentance is “metanoia” literally meaning “change of mind.”

One commentary clarifies that this kind of repentance is not about regret, guilt or shame but implies making a decision to turn around, to face in a new direction.

With our backs to the light, all we can see is our own shadows. When we turn towards the light our shadow and the darkness is behind us and our path forward is illumined

Repentance means not only turning from what is bad, but also from many things that are good, but just not for us at this time, or turning from good things that we have become inordinately attached to and which therefore restrict our ability to be truly free.

You might like to:

• Invite Jesus to reveal to you good things or relationships which may be limiting your freedom because you are too dependant or inordinately attached to them.
• Click the candle image below to visit the FFF Prayer Request page and take a moment to add your own request, or to pray for someone else’s intention. If you check the “email” box before submitting your request you will receive a note whenever someone prays for your intention. With your participation this page can become a powerhouse of the support of shared prayer.