[Salvation]

One Bread, One Body

One Bread, One Body

 

<< Sunday, December 2, 2012 >>

First Sunday of Advent

Jeremiah 33:14-16
1 Thessalonians 3:12—4:2
View Readings

Psalm 25:4-5, 8-10, 14
Luke 21:25-28, 34-36

MARANATHA!

"The days are coming..." —Jeremiah 33:14

 

A new Church year begins with the season of Advent. How can we start this Church year off on the right foot?

Human ventures begin with human efforts and plans. The Church, however, is led by Jesus, the Head of the Church (Col 1:18), and so the Church is both human and divine (Catechism, 779). Therefore, God initiates and we follow Him.

Here are some keys to the success of this Church year:

• Will we vigilantly and patiently listen to the Lord each day for His "instructions"? (1 Thes 4:2)
• Will we receive God's plans in a spirit of docility and joyful submission?
• Will we cooperate with God's plans or block them through our resistance or by moving ahead without Him?
• Will we "learn to make still greater progress" in living for Jesus? (1 Thes 4:1)
• Will we "conduct [ourselves] in a way pleasing to God"? (1 Thes 4:1)
• Will we "be on guard lest [our] spirits become bloated with indulgence and drunkenness and worldly cares"? (Lk 21:34)
• Will we be "blameless and holy"? (1 Thes 3:13)

The Lord's plans for the Church and for us are far "more than we ask or imagine" (Eph 3:20). His "will be done" (Mt 6:10).

 

Prayer: Father, give us "the strength to escape whatever is in prospect" (Lk 21:36).

Promise: "The friendship of the Lord is with those who fear Him, and His covenant, for their instruction." —Ps 25:14

Praise: Alleluia! Jesus is risen! Jesus will come again! Come, Lord Jesus!

[Salvation]

Prayer for the Helpless Unborn

Heavenly Father, in Your love for us, protect against the wickedness of the devil,

those helpless little ones to whom You have given the gift of life.

Touch with pity the hearts of those women pregnant in our world today

 who are not thinking of motherhood.

Help them to see that the child they carry is made in Your image

 - as well as theirs - made for eternal life.

Dispel their fear and selfishness and give them true womanly hearts

to love their babies and give them birth

and all the needed care that a mother can give.

We ask this through Jesus Christ, Your Son, Our Lord,

Who lives and reigns with You and Holy Spirit,

One God, forever and ever. Amen.