Called for a Purpose: A Journey of Faith, Forgiveness, and Repentance

A Reflection on the Gospel for Sunday, December 8th, 2024:
Second Sunday of Advent

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Luke
3.1-6

​In the fifteenth year of the reign of Emperor Tiberius, when Pontius Pilate was governor of Judea, and Herod was ruler of Galilee, and his brother Philip ruler of the region of Ituraea and Trachonitis, and Lysanias ruler of Abilene, during the high priesthood of Annas and Caiaphas, the word of God came to John son of Zechariah in the wilderness.

He went into all the region around the Jordan, proclaiming a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins, as it is written in the book of the words of the Prophet Isaiah, “The voice of one crying out in the wilderness: ‘Prepare the way of the Lord, make his paths straight. Every valley shall be filled, and every mountain and hill shall be made low, and the crooked shall be made straight, and the rough ways made smooth; and all flesh shall see the salvation of God.’”

Pause. Pray. Reflect.

The Gospel of Luke reminds me of God's call to live according to His purpose. In Luke 3:2, the word of God came to John, son of Zechariah, in the wilderness, setting him apart to proclaim a baptism of repentance. Reflecting on this verse, I see how God calls me to a life of purpose, just as He called John. 

When I began high school, I experienced moments of separation like John's time in the wilderness. Away from home in a mixed boarding school, I had to navigate distractions and make choices about where to spend my time. While many of my peers socialized, I often found myself drawn to non-denominational prayer gatherings. At these meetings, I interceded for others, sang with the worship and praise team, and evangelized. Like John preparing the way for Jesus, I believe God was shaping me for His work.

John's message in Luke 3:4, to "prepare the way of the Lord," challenges me to examine my heart, repent, and let go of bitterness. Forgiveness is often hard, especially when I feel wronged. Yet Jesus' words in Luke 6:27-28, "Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you,” remind me to reflect God's mercies and grace. These teachings help me surrender my pain to God and trust His justice. 

Jesus' mission in Luke 4:18-19 “to bring good news to the poor, freedom to the oppressed, and healing to the broken-hearted,” showing compassion for the marginalized, teaches me to serve others selflessly, knowing that God's kingdom is for all, and it serves as a reminder to prepare my heart to be a vessel for His love.

Through repentance, faith, and service, I strive to fulfill God's call, just as John prepared the way for Jesus, by living in God's grace and reflecting it to others each day.

Lord Jesus, please help us to embrace repentance, forgiveness, and purpose as we journey through life and grant us strength to reflect Your love even in difficult times. Amen.




Michaelina Dawson-Otoo​

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