Homily Third Sunday Advent. Year C - Sunday, 16 December 2018
First Reading. Zep 3:14-18. Shout for joy, sing joyfully.
Responsorial Psalm. Is 12:2-6 R. v.6. Cry out with joy and gladness: for among you is the great and Holy One of Israel.
Second Reading. Phil 4:4-7. Rejoice, the Lord is near.
Gospel Acclamation. Is 61:1 (Lk 4:18)
Gospel. Lk 3:10-18. John announces the coming of the Messiah.
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Please listen to my audio recordings of the readings, prayers and reflections for the Third Sunday Advent. Year C - Sunday, 16 December 2018 by clicking this link here: https://soundcloud.com/user-633212303/advent-3c-16th-dec-2018-2018-episode-129 (EPISODE: 129)
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Hardly a week goes by where the whole world is not shocked by yet another unspeakable acts of violence, especially towards those who are defenseless and vulnerable. What has gone so wrong in the minds of people that such murderous, callous violence on a huge scale happens so often?
Let us pray for people suffering the effects of hatred, violence, destruction, and war. May those who die from senseless acts of violence be taken to the place of peace and rest in the compassionate arms of Our Lord. Let us pray and work together, inspired by those prayers, that the world will find new and better ways to put an end to this violence and devastation and bring peace and safety to all peoples’ lives. The world has been blessed by God’s gift of inspiration and genius to so many people of goodwill and love who work constantly to create a better world and reach out to those in need. People who desire to fill in the valleys of prejudice and hatred, and level the mountains of ignorance, selfishness, and pride. Let us pray that these minds and hearts will prevail.
The mark of a civilized nation is surely to be found in how it cares for and protects its most vulnerable members. Let us continue to build a safer, and non-violent society that absolutely values life and protects all its members, especially the young and vulnerable.
There is something really re-assuring and pleasant about today’s gospel.
In the readings, this weekend, the tone of Advent lightens particularly. There is a theme of gladness in the air. The readings speak of rejoicing. The approaching Birth of the Lord brings joy. Even the name for this Sunday is traditionally known as “Rejoice Sunday” –
In this time of Advent reflection, there is building excitement for the imminent celebration of the birth of our Lord.
When we look at the readings, it is interesting to note that the REASON why we should rejoice and be glad is not that everything is going well, (although good fortune and success are even further cause of joy and thanksgiving), but in the Scriptures, we rejoice and are glad BECAUSE “God is near.” No Matter what is happening: success or failure, sickness or health, freedom or oppression, God is always with us, and very near to us. Our God comes to us to sustain us and to save us, and to grant us forgiveness and hope. Also, God gives us, in answer to all our prayers PEACE. St Paul refers to this, when he writes, ‘don’t worry, but if anything is needed, ask for it and God will grant you his peace!” the first response God offers us no matter what our prayers and requests is Peace.
Saint John the Baptist is getting everyone prepared for the coming of the Messiah. He tells everyone, repent of your sins, change your ways, the Lord is near. And the people, of all different jobs and stations in life, ask the natural question: Okay if we are to change, what must we do? This is a question we all ask, “Lord, show us what to do to make the changes you desire in our lives.”
John shows us the changes:
Share food and material goods with those who have nothing.
Act fairly, justly and honestly with others.
Never act with intimidation or threat.
Avoid disgruntlement, envy, dissatisfaction, jealousy and criticism, and negativity.
(And so many wonderfully practical actions and attitudes that show the reverence we have to our God of justice and mercy, which flows through to how we treat each other.....)
God our Father knows that we are not perfect and that only with His grace can we respond daily to His love. Every day our Father invites us again to trust in Him and to seek His help so that we can grow deeper in practical ways in faithfulness and love.
I think of Mary, the Mother of God, (who does not feature in today’s Gospel but who does feature in the readings over the coming week)…. The Gospels say in several places that Mary “treasured all these things in her heart.” Mary treasured or pondered the things that were happening, even when some of the events that were occurring were not exactly happy things…
Mary treasured things in her heart that were confusing, and alarming, and disorienting, but she treasured everything because she utterly trusted in God’s love and care. Mary constantly pondered the fact that God was near her and was faithful to her. Let us rejoice and take heart that the nearness of the Lord always, (particularly at this coming Christmas time), will sustain and strengthen us in good times and bad.
We are promised peace and God’s nearness to us as we stay attentive to God’s ways and active in justice and compassion. God’s inner peace does not necessarily promise that all will go well in our environment and our world, but God’s inner peace will sustain us and guide us in times of both tranquility and outer turmoil. God’s peace will be given to us in our constant combination of prayer and thanksgiving. God’s grace will lift us up in times of joy and celebration, and also God’s grace will sustain, help us through, and carry us in times of trouble
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References:
Fr Paul W. Kelly
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May God bless and keep you.
Third Sunday Advent. Year C
(Sunday, 16 December 2018) (EPISODE: 129 )
“Cry Out with joy and gladness: for among you is the great and holy one of Israel”
Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. (or/ The Lord be with You)
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Brothers and sisters, let us acknowledge our sins,
and so prepare ourselves to celebrate the sacred mysteries.
Kyrie eleison/ christe eleison/ kyrie eleison
May almighty God have mercy on us, forgive us our sins, and bring us to everlasting life. Amen.
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Memorial Acclamation
Save us, Saviour of the world, for by your Cross and Resurrection you have set us free.
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Advent 2
Euch prayer III
Communion side. pwk: LH
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Go in peace, glorifying the Lord by your life.
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