Today’s Gospel reading from Luke is an introduction to the era of Jesus. After the historic genealogy of John the Baptist, we hear that John was filled with the word of God and began to proclaim a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins. In Jewish culture, repentance was associated with a purification ritual and the changing of one’s mind to become right with God and one another. The word forgiveness in Greek “metanoia” was understood as a release from bondage. In this Gospel reading, Luke quotes Isaiah on the exodus journey (release) from bondage, a journey from sin to salvation. Luke goes on in later verses to stress that John the Baptist is not the Messiah. Someone mightier than he is coming. John also tells his followers he is not the Messiah. Jesus will be that someone who brings salvation. It is only Jesus that can release us from sin into forgiveness and salvation. Today this passage should remind us that we too must examine our own lives. Do we need to change our minds and hearts to become “right” with God and one another? Maybe we just need a small change…or maybe more! Advent is intended to be a time of joyful anticipation to celebrate Christ’s birth and preparation to receive the saving grace of our Lord Jesus. This year as we celebrate the coming of Jesus into our world on the very first Christmas, shouldn’t we be preparing for his second coming on a future day known only to God? Reflection by St. Catherine’s parishioner Dale Gerber