SOCL, Christmas, Vigil

Cycle A,B,C

December 24, 2024

Tomorrow the wickedness of the earth will be destroyed: the Savior of the world will reign over us.

See

Tracing origins has always been of interest and nowadays it is possible to have a sample of your DNA tested to find out what kind of genetic mix you are. It can lead to surprises! Jesus also had shadows in his genealogy, as is normal. There is hope, too, in the ancestors: God can write straight with our crooked lines. The shadows are not simply in our past, somehow in others, but in each of us as well. But the great message of the Gospel is that our past does not always have to stalk us—there is total forgiveness and even amnesia in God: I, I am the one who blots out your rebellious deeds for my sake; your sins I do not remember. (Isa 43:25)

Listen

Isaiah 62:1-5; Ps 89 (88); Acts 13:16-17, 22-25; Matthew 1:1-25

Reflect

(Matthew 1:1-25)

-Every family tree contains shadows, shadows which can overshadow later generations. What have you learned about yourself from your family history?

-In the narrative, Joseph faces a very challenging situation with a combination of kindness and logic, only to have both sent aside by the surprise of God. Have you had that experience too?

-God-with-us is a powerful expression, inviting me to reflect on my own experience of God with me in my life. Can I name any important moments of God’s presence?

-Every birth is a blessing—even my own! Am I still a blessing to those around me?

Pray

God of generations, You weave our lives into Your great story of salvation. Help us, like Joseph, to trust beyond our understanding, To choose love over convention, And to recognize Your presence in unexpected places. Transform our "Forsaken" moments into "My Delight," Our fears into faithful action, Our doubts into dreams of Your purpose. As we celebrate Emmanuel, "God with us," Make our hearts ready to welcome You anew, Not just in the manger, But in every moment of our lives. Through Christ our Lord. Amen.

SOCL, Advent4C

Sunday December 22, 2024

Behold, I am the handmaid of the Lord.

May it be done to me according to your word.

See

Even in its resolutely secular form, the Christmas celebration has positive sides to it. People do try very hard to get together with close family and friends. It might help to reect in advance on this seasonal intensity of encounter. What do I hope for? What do I bring? How can I/we be so that we are not simply in the same physical space but truly meet each other and are the better for it? There should be some leap of joy, so that at the end of the festivities, we are glad we made the effort.

Listen

Micah 5:2-5 (1-4); Psalm 80 (79); Hebrews 10:5-10; Luke 1:39-44

Reflect

(Luke 1:39-44)

-The greeting of Elizabeth to Mary “Blessed are you among women and blessed is the fruit of your womb” is a joyful welcome of the child to come. Bringing new life into the world through pregnancy and birth is one of the most awesome human experiences. How have you experienced this for yourself or in someone close to you?

-The image of the pregnant Mary going a distance to visit her cousin is a symbol of willingness to look beyond one’s own needs to the needs of others. When have you witnessed that kind of generosity in others, or have been able to act in this way yourself ?

-Mary is praised for her faith, because she believed the promise made her by the Lord would be fulfilled. In what ways have you experienced blessings from your faith and trust in God’s promises?

Pray

Loving Shepherd, You choose the small and humble to accomplish Your greatest works. Like Mary, help us trust Your promises; like Elizabeth, help us recognize Your presence. Turn our hearts toward You that we might see Your face in the everyday moments of our lives. As we prepare for Christ's coming, make us ready to do Your will and swift to share Your joy with others. May we, like Bethlehem, become dwelling places for Your love. Through Christ our Lord. Amen.

References

Lord, Make Us Turn To You

SOCL, Advent3C

Sunday December 15, 2024

He will baptise you with the Holy Spirit and with fire.

See

“What then should we do?” is both obvious and pertinent. In the maelstrom of life, it is good to stand back and discern what is being asked of me in the many contexts of life: family member, spouse, parent, disciple, leader, pastor, evangeliser and so forth. In these different roles, how should I be, what should I do so as to enable others too to full their own callings, as family member, spouse etc

Listen

Zephaniah 3:14-18; Canticle Is 12; Philippians 4:4-7; Luke 3:10-18

Reflect

(Luke 3:10-18)

-“What should we do?” The common thread in John’s answers was to encourage his questioners to be other-centred rather than self-centred, each in the context of their own circumstances. In your experience what difference has it made for you when you changed your attitude in this way?

-John told the people in a direct and honest way what they should do. Perhaps you have had friends who did not beat about the bush but have told you honestly what they thought about your behaviour when you asked them? In gratitude recall such friends.

-The humility of John comes out in this passage, happy to acknowledge that he only had a minor role to play in relation to the Messiah. At the same time he was enthused by his mission to “proclaim the good news to the people.” What difference has it made for you when you were able to see the good in yourself, and use your gifts without having to score by portraying yourself as greater than someone else?

Pray

Almighty God, you sent your Son into a world where the wheat must be winnowed from the chaff and evil clings even to what is good. Let the re of your Spirit purge us of greed and deceit, so that, puried, we may nd our peace in you and you may delight in us. Grant this through him whose coming is certain, Jesus Christ, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God, for ever and ever. Amen.

References