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REFLECTION – 7th/8th DECEMBER 2024
From the moment we are born we need people who are caring, kind, loving and supportive so that we become the best human being possible. Psychologically, we realise that change is a constant event on our lives. All of us have been changing throughout our lives. Change is never easy as we move from one period of life to another. Isn’t it wonderful to observe a new born child change each day; it’s such a beautiful gift. The change from childhood to teenage to adult life can only be achieved with the love, care and support of others.
In today’s reading we hear three people encouraging people to imagine a better future which God has in store for them. They invite people to believe in the possibility to change and to act accordingly. In the first reading the Prophet asks people to throw away the cloak of despair and sorrow and wrap themselves with the integrity of God’s way. St. Paul tells his listeners how much he appreciates their help and support and urges them to continue to work for that day “when they reach perfect goodness.” In the Gospel St. John the Baptist tells people that soon “all people will see the salvation of God.” All of these voices are positive, reassuring people to believe that change is possible in every way. A new time is arriving when God will enter into our human history in the birth of Jesus. A new dawn awaits. Rejoice. Good things will happen.
All three readings for the second Sunday of Advent share a marvellous insight: people begin to change when they are enabled to see the best in themselves. Simply to tell people what is wrong and leave it at that is to leave them a wreck without hope. People rarely change for the better when left to themselves: it’s to leave them enclosed in their weaknesses.
We all need help and encouragement to leave behind familiar mistakes, sins and habits which can be destructive to ourselves and others. We need encouragement to imagine ourselves differently. In our interactions with one another we have to be aware of certain attitudes and habits we need to change to make life more bearable. If we do not reflect occasionally about our behaviour we can bring much pain, hurt and suffering to those closest to us.
We all need to be surrounded by people who see the good we are capable of doing, to see the best within us. Irrespective of our age we never outgrow the need to be supported, loved and cared for.
This second Sunday of Advent challenges us to ask ourselves a question: what kind of person do I imagine God wants me to be? Let us have faith in the power of God working is us, that he will not abandon us at any time and have trust, as St. Paul says, “that the One who began the good work in us will bring it to completion.” What powerful words of hope for us! In the words of Saint John Cardinal Newman: “Here below in this life is to change and to be perfect is to have changed often.” How true and the good news is that God always waits for us to change, giving us the graces we need. “I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength.” (St. Paul: Philippians: 4:13).
Fr. Tony
PRAYER FOR PEACE
Lord, when my heart is overburdened, overwhelm me with your peace. Lead me to you, my rock, strength and refuge. Guide me to your Word which gives me strength and comfort. Help me not to run to lesser things. Draw me to run to you first. Help me to get into the habit of taking my burdens to you and placing them in your care. For your Son, Jesus said, “Come to me all who labour and overburdened and I will give you rest: for I am gentle and humble of heart and you will find rest for your souls”.
AMEN.
The Hopes of Pope Francis for the future of the Church
464 Bishops, Priests, Religious and lay people have gathered in Rome for the month of October 2023 to take part in the Synod which is the most important happening in the Church since the 2nd Vatican Council. Of that number 81 are women and 54 of those are voting members.
Pope Francis seeks to bring a revived sense of mission to the Church, and many are hoping that new life will emerge as a result. The documents that will emerge at the end of the month are not the final word, the same people who attend the present gathering will meet again in October 2024, and the Pope is expected to respond to the documents in the months after.
One topic that will be addressed is the role of women in the Church and perhaps we might have women deacons in the years ahead. The Synod will address the role of all those of us who are Baptised and encourage us to become more active in the Church and in our Parishes. We all share in the common priesthood of the Baptised. This gathering is a culmination of the work that took place in our parish and the parishes of Ireland in 2022.
Ireland is represented by Alan McGuckian, Bishop of Raphoe, and Brendan Leahy, Bishop of Limerick, his early years were spent as a child in the parish of St. Agnes.
PRAYER FOR THE SYNOD
We Stand before You, Holy Spirit, as we gather together in Your name.
With You alone to guide us, make Yourself at home in our hearts;
Teach us the way we must go and how we are to pursue it.
We are weak and sinful; do not let us promote disorder.
Do not let ignorance lead us down the wrong path nor partiality influence our actions.
Let us find in You our unity so that we may journey together to eternal life
And not stray from the way of truth and what is right.
All this we ask of You, who are at work in every place and time,
In the communion of the Father and the Son, forever and ever. Amen.