Despair is Most Often The Offspring of Ill-Preparedness – Don Williams

PREPARE THE WAY OF THE LORDMark 1:1-8 NAB 

The beginning of the gospel of Jesus Christ (the Son of God). As it is written in Isaiah the prophet: “Behold, I am sending my messenger ahead of you; he will prepare your way.  A voice of one crying out in the desert: ‘Prepare the way of the Lord, make straight His paths.’” John (the) Baptist appeared in the desert proclaiming a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins. People of the whole Judean countryside and all the inhabitants of Jerusalem were going out to him and were being baptized by him in the Jordan River as they acknowledged their sins. John was clothed in camel’s hair, with a leather belt around his waist. He fed on locusts and wild honey. And this is what he proclaimed: “One mightier than I is coming after me. I am not worthy to stoop and loosen the thongs of His sandals. I have baptized you with water; He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit.” 

Reflection

The Gospels of Matthew, Luke and John pointed Jesus’ lineage to God Himself. Mark, however, introduced Jesus when He was an adult and ready to begin His ministry. This Gospel was the first to be written circa 70 AD and intended for the Gentiles in Rome. Around this time, the persecution of Christians under Emperor Nero started after he put the blame of the great fire that consumed Rome on the Christians. The Gospel of Mark was written to portray Jesus as the Messiah who came for the salvation of mankind in the midst of evil, persecution and destruction. In the opening chapter, Jesus was announced by John the Baptist, commissioned by His Father and overcame temptation by the devil. Jesus then started teaching and healing. The Gospel of Mark wasted no time in making Jesus known as a person determined to fulfil God’s plan of salvation for mankind.

Family Leadership

Long before the Incarnation, the prophet Isaiah spoke of the Messiah. In fact, Isaiah also spoke of John the Baptist whose job was to proclaim His arrival. When John the Baptist started his ministry, he called the Jews to repentance in preparation for the Son of God. This was important so that the Word of God can take root in their hearts. Many couples enter parenthood without knowing what they are in for. There is usually little preparation. On the contrary, most couples will learn on-the-job as parents, making mistakes as they try to find a balance between working and domestic life. Couples who wish to be parents can seek the advice of their parents or married friends. It pays to be mentally, physically and financially prepared lest the couple falls into difficulties. Don Williams, American singer and songwriter said, “Despair is most often the offspring of ill-preparedness.” – XW