SOCL, Advent1C

Sunday December 01, 2024

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

See

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.

See

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

One another, Christ the KingB

November 24, 2024

Daniel 7:13-14; Psalm 93 (92):1-2,5; Revelation 1:5-8; John 18:33-37

In joyful hope, let us come together in prayer before Jesus, our King and Redeemer:

That our Church and parish community may be a faithful witness to the love and mercy of our heavenly Father: let us pray to the Lord.

That Pope N., Bishop N., Father N., and all who serve the Church may embrace Christ’s priesthood of loving and humble service: let us pray to the Lord.

That the nations and peoples of the world may serve one another in the justice and peace of God’s reign: let us pray to the Lord.

That we may proclaim the great mystery of God’s love through our compassion and charity to the poor, the homeless, and the abandoned: let us pray to the lord.

That the sick, the dying, and the recovering may be blessed by God with hope and “length of days”: let us pray to the Lord.

That the victorious Christ will gather into the kingdom of his Father the souls of all who have died [especially _________]: let us pray to the Lord.

That God will hear the prayers we now offer in the silence of our hearts [Pause...]: let us pray to the Lord.

We praise you, O God, you who are Lord of creation and Ruler of all nations. Hear the prayers we offer in joyful hope until the coming of our Messiah and King, our Lord Jesus Christ, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit as the one God, for ever and ever.

References

-United States Conference of Catholic Bishops. (2024aa, November 24). The solemnity of our Lord Jesus Christ, King of the Universe. USCCB. https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/112424.cfm

-Cormier, J. (1995). Lord, Hear Our Prayer: Prayer of the Faithful for Sundays, Holy Days, and Ritual Masses.