SOCL, Advent2C

Sunday December 08, 2024

The voice of one crying out in the wilderness: ‘Prepare the way of the Lord, make his paths straight'

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In today's readings, we hear about preparation and transformation - mountains made low, valleys filled, winding roads made straight. This isn't just about physical landscapes, but about the geography of our hearts. John the Baptist's call to "prepare the way of the Lord" reminds us that Advent is a time of active waiting. Just as a path needs to be cleared and straightened, our lives might need smoothing out, our priorities realigned. What seems like an insurmountable mountain of difficulty, or a deep valley of doubt, can be transformed when we prepare our hearts to receive God's peace.

Listen

Baruch 5:1-9; Psalm 126 (125); Philippians 1:3-6, 8-11; Luke 3:1-6

Reflect

(Luke 3:1-6)

-Like John proclaiming in the desert, sometimes God's voice comes to us in unexpected places and times. Reflect on moments when you've heard God's call in surprising circumstances. How did you respond? What "desert experiences" in your life have led to spiritual growth?

-The reading from Baruch speaks of taking off the "robe of mourning and misery" and putting on "the splendor of glory from God." Consider what "robes" you might need to remove this Advent - perhaps worry, resentment, or fear. What would it mean to wrap yourself instead in God's peace and justice?

-Paul prays that the Philippians' love may "increase ever more and more in knowledge and perception." Think about your own journey of faith. How has your understanding of God's love grown over time? What paths in your life need straightening to deepen that love further?

-The Gospel mentions specific historical figures and places, reminding us that God works within human history and real situations. How do you see God working in the concrete circumstances of your life today? What "paths" need preparing in your family, workplace, or community?

Pray

Lord, as You spoke to John in the wilderness, speak to our hearts today, helping us smooth the rough places in our lives, level the mountains of our pride, fill the valleys of our doubts, clothe us in Your peace, guide us with Your wisdom, and increase our love day by day, that, like John, we may point the way to Jesus, making straight the paths that lead to You. Amen.

References

The Lord Has Done Great Things For Us

SOCL, Advent1C

Sunday December 01, 2024

There will be signs in the sun, the moon, and the stars.

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If you were to wish people a happy new year today, they would in all probability nd it awkward. Nevertheless, we do start a new Christian year with the season of Advent. The different seasons reminds of important aspects of being Christian, one of which is the conviction that we may always begin again and start new. Last Sunday, we looked back and today we look forward: what are my hopes for the coming Christian year? How am I now? How would I like to be, as a believer, this time next year? What steps will I take to make that a reality?

Listen

Jeremiah 33:14-16; Psalm 25 (24); 1 Thessalonians 3:12-4:2; Luke 21:25-28, 34-36

Reflect

(Luke 21:25-28, 34-36)

-This passage can be taken as a metaphor for personal experiences when it seemed that your world was collapsing around you: plans thwarted, deep disappointment, something out of your control altering the course of your life, etc. When have such experiences been a prelude to something new? Allow the dramatic language of the passage remind you of this experience, making sure that you recognise the double movement of collapse and liberation.

-Jesus himself is the model in this gospel story as he taught his disciples the spirituality of “waiting in joyful hope.” What difference has watchfulness (in the sense of being watchful in prayer) made to you in facing difcult situations?

-Advent is a time that calls us to be alert to the signs of the hidden presence of God in our world. What reminds you of this presence of God? Have there been occasions when something woke you up in an unexpected way to the presence of God in the world, for example, through love, beauty, nature and so forth?

Pray

God, our saviour, you utter a word of promise and hope and hasten the day of justice and freedom, yet we live in a world forgetful of your word, our watchfulness dulled by the cares of life. Keep us alert. Make us attentive to your word, ready to look on your Son when he comes with power and great glory. Make us holy and blameless, ready to stand secure when the day of his coming shakes the world with terror. We ask this through him whose coming is certain, whose day draws near: your Son, Jesus Christ, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God, for ever and ever. Amen.

References

To You, O Lord, I Lift My Soul

SOCL, Thanksgiving Day

Cycle A,B,C

Thursday November 28, 2024

In all circumstances, give thanks.

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Gratitude is a transformative power that goes beyond mere politeness. In the Gospel, ten were healed, but only one returned to give thanks. Like this Samaritan leper who came back, true gratitude involves recognizing our blessings and acknowledging their source. Sometimes those we least expect show us the deepest meaning of thanksgiving - it's not just about receiving gifts, but about the relationship between giver and receiver. When we take time to return and give thanks, we discover that gratitude doesn't just change our attitude - it changes us.

Listen

Sir 50:22-24; Psalm145:2-3, 4-5, 6-7, 8-9, 10-11; 1 Cor 1:3-9, Lk 17:11-19

Reflect

(Luke 17:11-19)

-In the Gospel story, one person returned while nine continued on their way. Reflect on times when you've received blessings or help from others. Were you more like the one who returned or the nine who continued on? What moved you to express or forget gratitude in those moments?

-The one who returned was a Samaritan - someone considered an outsider. Sometimes those who have experienced exclusion or hardship have a deeper capacity for gratitude. Think about times when you've been touched by the grateful spirit of someone you didn't expect. What did their example teach you about thanksgiving?

-Jesus says to the Samaritan, "Your faith has saved you." This suggests that there's a connection between gratitude and spiritual wholeness. Consider moments when expressing thanks has brought you closer to God or others. How has gratitude deepened your faith journey?

-The leper "glorified God in a loud voice." Genuine gratitude often seeks expression - it wants to be shared and voiced. What are some ways you can actively express thanksgiving, not just feel it? How might voicing our gratitude inspire others to recognize their own blessings?

Pray

For our parish community and all families gathering this Thanksgiving Day, giving thanks for the abundant blessings of the past year. May we show our gratitude not only in words but in generous sharing with those in need. For those who are alone or struggling this holiday season. May they find comfort in God's loving presence and experience the warmth of community.

References