Morena – Good morning,
We now move to the Second Sunday of Advent continuing our journey of peace and repentance as we prepare for the coming of Jesus.
Here in New Zealand, we are experiencing a continual change in parishes with more and more amalgamations due to the limited and declining number of priests. What strikes me is how slow we are to learn from the early church and our second reading from Paul to the Philippians has much to teach us about connecting, supporting and building community.
In the gospel we have John the Baptist – the forerunner – the one who points to Jesus; the one proclaiming; the one living his belief; the one who is God centred. In our communities we have allowed fear central place and been lured to the life of individualism and consumerism rather, than community.
Today, let us resonate and reflect on some of Paul’s words as he affirms and commends his community. We need that affirmation and connection with one another including the encouragement to believe that Jesus is Emmanuel – God with us.
Every time I pray for all of you, I pray with joy, remembering how you have helped to spread the Good News from the day you first heard it right up to the present. I am quite certain that the One who began this good work in you will see that it is finished when the Day of Christ Jesus comes; and God knows how much I miss you all, loving you as Christ Jesus loves you. Phil 1:4-6
What Does Advent Mean?
Advent means “arrival” and signifies the start of an event or the arrival of a person. In Christian communities around the world, Advent refers to a four-week season of remembering and celebrating the arrival of Jesus on Earth. It’s a time to reflect on the unexpected nature of Jesus’ humble birth and join in the anticipation of when he will come again to reunite Heaven and Earth once and for all. Advent and its four themes:
SECOND SUNDAY – PEACE (The Prophecy Candle) Sunday, December 8
The second candle on the Advent wreath represents Peace and is also purple. Often called the “Bethlehem Candle,” this candle reminds us of Mary and Joseph’s journey from Nazareth to Bethlehem before Mary gave birth to Jesus. It also builds on the meaning of the Prophecy Candle, recalling that after the division, destruction, and dispersion of the kingdom in the Old Testament, there might finally be peace on Earth.
https://youtu.be/uW6xcmqfiY4?si=Spzjfq2MoRVH5Ncr Peace -Bethel Music click on link
****Each Sunday in Advent there will be a short paragraph such as the one above
speaking to the theme of each Sunday and an accompanying reflection song.
Have a good week – God go with you, Blessings, Paul
Scripture Readings: Second Sunday of Advent Year C, 8 December
Prepare the way of the Lord, make his paths straight
Almighty and merciful God, may no earthly undertaking hinder those who set out in haste to meet your Son, but may our learning of heavenly wisdom gain us admittance to his company.
LECTIONARY READINGS
First reading: Baruch 5:1-9
Responsorial psalm: Ps 125(126)
Second reading: Philippians 1:4-6, 8-11
Gospel: Luke 3:1-6
Link to readings – click here
Paeroa Passionist Family Group Gathering:
Thirty six years and still going strong. Thanks to Maggi and Charlie Gribble for their commitment and dedication to PFG’s.
Reminder: 5 Aims and Goals
- share & celebrate life & faith
- support one another (especially in need)
- reaching out to & include others
- build community/extended family
- show and give example to children
Pease remember in your thoughts and prayer:
- Please keep in mind
- Pat Smith RIP and keep in prayer Maureen and family; Remember Rod Carson and remember Pat and family; Maureen and Graeme Matthews; Jocelyn Bryant and family; Adrian van de Pas ; Graeme Margaret Armstrong; Maggi and Charlie Gribble;
- Christine Geoghegan daughter Kate and extended families;
- Jenny Epplett, Preston, Kate and family ; Paul and Linda Darbyshire;
- Please remember Paul Davenport and his wife Jill;
- Leanne Hintz daughter of Clair and Ray Hague;
- Robyn Burns (Hill;) Terry Nelson’s family;. Brian and Eleanor McFlynn ;
- Tim Bartell’s son Sam and family ; Richard and Sue Gibb; Robert van de Pas
- Bryan Davidson; Charlie and Maggi’s daughter and her partner in prayer.
- Keep in mind all those who are struggling with various aspects of mental health; Bob Buckley; Keep people in Gaza and Israel in your prayer
- Martin and Sally van der Wetering; Phil and Anne Drew;
- Please keep in your prayers those who continue to deal with the after effects of droughts on the horn of Africa. Also weather effects on other countries across the planet
- Keep in prayer the people of Ukraine: Keep in prayer the people of Sudan
- Please pray for Dot and Neill Wilson (Invercargill) – their son-in-law Mark married to Dot’s daughter Anita
- Your own intentions
Humour:
- “What did the zero say to the eight?” “That belt looks good on you.”
- “A skeleton walks into a bar and says, ‘Hey, bartender. I’ll have one beer and a mop.'”
- “Where do fruits go on vacation?” “Pear-is!”
- “I asked my dog what’s two minus two. He said nothing.”
- “What did Baby Corn say to Mama Corn?” “Where’s Pop Corn?”
- “What’s the best thing about Switzerland?” “I don’t know, but the flag is a big plus.”
- “Where do you learn to make a banana split?” “Sundae school.”
- “What has more letters than the alphabet?” “The post office!”
- “Dad, did you get a haircut?” “No, I got them all cut!”
- “What do you call a poor Santa Claus?” “St. Nickel-less.”
- “I got carded at a liquor store, and my Blockbuster card accidentally fell out. The cashier said never mind.”
- “Where do boats go when they’re sick?” “To the boat doc.”
- “I don’t trust those trees. They seem kind of shady.”
- “My wife is really mad at the fact that I have no sense of direction. So I packed up my stuff and right!”
We are a “Family for All”