Today, this Second Sunday of Advent, we hear vivid and comforting statements about the future of ‘the chosen people.’ We hear how the people of God (personified as Jerusalem), will become the embodiment of peace and justice. In today’s divided world, that can’t happen soon enough! John the Baptist reminds us today to repent—that we have a responsibility as the ‘Baptised’ to further God’s reign on earth. We need to be a part of the work for peace and justice still to be done.
St. Paul’s prayer for the Philippians (and for all of us) is to ask for the knowledge that will make love overflow; for the wisdom found in keenness of perception; for the insight and discernment to put faith into practice. A great example of this is the Blessed Virgin Mary’s “Yes” to God which we heard this past week on the Feast of the Immaculate Conception. Personally, I am all about practice—whether we are speaking of practicing our faith, or a musical instrument, or another language—the list is endless. I believe everything we do is about practicing in order to be the best version of ourselves that God intends us to be. This prayer by St. Paul is always succinct, but most especially at this busy time of year when our lives are dictated by many secular expectations. This prayer of St. Paul is a worth repeating and praying, and it is great advice to follow and practice.
In the Book of the Prophet Baruch, in the Responsorial Psalm, and in the Gospel of Luke (quoting Isaiah), we hear poetic and lovely visions of the future for the children of God: peace and justice personified by a desert people: images such as level paths, fragrant shade trees, light in darkest moments─these are image reminders of the ‘bright’ promises God has made and will keep. In Psalm 126 (for this Second Sunday of Advent) we sing: “The Lord has done great things for us, and we are filled with joy!” God has already done for us, will continue to do for us, and will ever do for us.
In the midst of preparing (many rehearsals!) for the annual celebration of the birth of Christ, all of our musicians—the players and the singers from the Adult and Youth Choir and the Contemporary Group are working extra hard to put our faith into practice. Today at 4pm—in the interest of peace, justice, fellowship and fun--we will perform an “Advent Pageant: “Follow That Star” as a food and fundraiser for the St. Aidan Food Pantry. Look for the announcements and please come and be a part of this putting-faith-into-action activity!
In the Sacramentary today, an alternative opening prayer pleads that “the lure of greed not impede us from the joy which moves the hearts of those who seek Christ.” In the midst of the lure of secular Christmas, we are reminded to put our faith into practice. We are reminded that all flesh shall see the salvation of God. Heartily rejoice Jerusalem! Comfort, Comfort, O My People, for “The Lord has done great things for us!” Maranatha!
See you later! Keep singing!
Elizabeth Dyc
St. Paul’s prayer for the Philippians (and for all of us) is to ask for the knowledge that will make love overflow; for the wisdom found in keenness of perception; for the insight and discernment to put faith into practice. A great example of this is the Blessed Virgin Mary’s “Yes” to God which we heard this past week on the Feast of the Immaculate Conception. Personally, I am all about practice—whether we are speaking of practicing our faith, or a musical instrument, or another language—the list is endless. I believe everything we do is about practicing in order to be the best version of ourselves that God intends us to be. This prayer by St. Paul is always succinct, but most especially at this busy time of year when our lives are dictated by many secular expectations. This prayer of St. Paul is a worth repeating and praying, and it is great advice to follow and practice.
In the Book of the Prophet Baruch, in the Responsorial Psalm, and in the Gospel of Luke (quoting Isaiah), we hear poetic and lovely visions of the future for the children of God: peace and justice personified by a desert people: images such as level paths, fragrant shade trees, light in darkest moments─these are image reminders of the ‘bright’ promises God has made and will keep. In Psalm 126 (for this Second Sunday of Advent) we sing: “The Lord has done great things for us, and we are filled with joy!” God has already done for us, will continue to do for us, and will ever do for us.
In the midst of preparing (many rehearsals!) for the annual celebration of the birth of Christ, all of our musicians—the players and the singers from the Adult and Youth Choir and the Contemporary Group are working extra hard to put our faith into practice. Today at 4pm—in the interest of peace, justice, fellowship and fun--we will perform an “Advent Pageant: “Follow That Star” as a food and fundraiser for the St. Aidan Food Pantry. Look for the announcements and please come and be a part of this putting-faith-into-action activity!
In the Sacramentary today, an alternative opening prayer pleads that “the lure of greed not impede us from the joy which moves the hearts of those who seek Christ.” In the midst of the lure of secular Christmas, we are reminded to put our faith into practice. We are reminded that all flesh shall see the salvation of God. Heartily rejoice Jerusalem! Comfort, Comfort, O My People, for “The Lord has done great things for us!” Maranatha!
See you later! Keep singing!
Elizabeth Dyc
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