Happy Sunday!
We are entering the time of preparation, Advent! This is the first Advent season since www.reclaimsunday.net was launched so we welcome all returning and those who are arriving for
the first time. It may be of interest for readers to learn that an option was offered to 'add' an Advent candle to the site which, as you view here has been included. Trying to locate a set of actual Advent wreath candles proved to be more of an
adventure earlier in the week, but after a few stops was able to secure a set. How are you observing Advent this year? How may this Sunday in Advent include time for prayer, time for worship, time to thank God for all he has done in our lives to
draw us to himself?
While there was no shortage of ads to capture our attention this week, the publication of Pope Francis' Apostolic Exhortation, Evangelii Gaudium has given us a rich read and at no cost for the upcoming season.
It is available on the Vatican website: www.vatican.va.
During the Advent liturgy there is a beautiful array of prayer to remind us of the 'great promise in which now we dare to hope...' in his second coming:
In part the Preface I of Advent:
"For he assumed at his first coming the lowliness of human flesh, and so fulfilled the design you formed long ago, and opened for us the way to eternal
salvation, that, when he comes again in glory and majesty and all is at last made manifest, we who watch for that day may inherit the great promise in which we now dare to hope."
The Catechesim summarizes the teaching: "When the Church
celebrates the liturgy of Advent each year, she makes present this ancient expectancy of the Messiah, for by sharing in the long preparation for the Savior's first coming, the faithful renew their ardent desire for his second coming. By celebrating the
precursor's birth and martyrdom, (note: John the Baptist) the Church unites herself to his desire: "He must increase, but I must decrease." (CCC 524)
So awaken! Forward with courage, it is Advent! Until next week, let us pray for one
another. Invite another to www.reclaimsunday.net.
Peace!