Light of Hope - Third Week of Advent: What must we do?

Dec 11, 2021

Opening Prayer
Loving Jesus, In your name, we mark this season: As we bring forth light to defy the claims of darkness, As we bring forth joy and song to defy the claims of sadness, As we bring forth a spirit of generosity to defy the claims of want, As we bring forth peace to defy the claims of war. That in the darkest, saddest, most wanting, warring corner of the world, All may look to Bethlehem Where, in the humblest of circumstances, In a time of repression From the person of a poor refugee woman In the filth of a manger In the form of a most vulnerable child You came among us to say, “No, there is a light in this world.” Let us be this light to others. Let us be the fruit of the branch of Jesse’s tree. Let us be the bearers of the indescribable gift that is your grace And so defy all false claims on your people and their dignity. And so, may you be born anew, into every season Into every age Into every land and every human heart. Maranatha! Come, Lord Jesus, come. Amen

Source: Catholic Relief Services (there is light in the world)

GOSPEL READING: LUKE 3:10-18
John the Baptist teaches the path of repentance and announces Christ.

Reflection
In Luke’s Gospel, John the Baptist challenged the crowds and called upon them to show evidence of their repentance. John the Baptist advised us to be compassionate to people who have very little and share our food and clothes with them. He cautioned us not to be greedy. Christian faith is expressed in one’s actions, and the call to salvation is extended to everyone. Everyone has a role to play in God's salvation, to cooperate in His divine plans. Am I compassionate to others who struggle and who have very little? What kind of acts of repentance can I undertake to prepare for the coming of the Messiah?

FOR FAMILY/ MINISTRIES:
What struck us in the Scripture reading that we have just heard? How can we repent and change as family/ ministry to share the good news with our family, church members and the people around us?

FOR INDIVIDUALS: Spend time to reflect on and discern whichever words from the Scripture reading that struck you. What change should I make this Advent? Take note and share your reflection with your companion at a convenient time.

CONCRETE ACTION: Choose an act of repentance - it can be changing the way we live, the way we speak, the food we consume, accompanying the elderly, sharing food or other essential needs with those in need, or simply doing what is right.

INTERCESSORY PRAYER / CLOSING PRAYER
“O Come, O Come Emmanuel” as we light the third candle on our Advent wreath, we pray that the joy of Advent may enter into (my/her/his/our) heart through the “changes” or transformation that (I/he/she/we) partake in. Rejoice, for the salvation is already at hand