27th November 2005
First Sunday of Advent, Year B

S: Good morning
Today is the first Sunday of Advent, a day in which we begin our preparations for Christmas - a day when we light the 1st Candle of the Advent Wreath.

B: And our word of life for today comes from Marks Gospel ‘Stay awake - the Lord is coming’. I’ve never been to Lough Derg but I’ve heard that the hardest thing there is coping with tiredness and trying to stay awake, because as soon as you fall asleep another pilgrim gives you a nudge and says ‘Stay awake’. And I think a bit like that experience in Lough Derg, we’re called in Advent to give ourselves a nudge to stay awake.

S: So Advent is a time to wake up and to experience the presence of God in everyday events and people we meet. So, the question we’re left with is - What can I do to be open to the signs of God in my life - at home, work, relationships or wherever?

B: This mornings reflection is the first of a series of four we have for you for Advent and its called ‘An Awaiting People’
Advent is a waiting time,
we await the celebration of the birth of Jesus,
we await Christ’s second coming,
but God waits for us too.
God lives today, and so ...
our first challenge is to bring Jesus to life in our own living,
to become aware of his presence,
the presence of the Spirit within us, prompting us,
sustaining us, working through us, waiting for us.

God, open our hearts to prepare the way for the coming of Christ.
Guide us in your ways of compassion
so that we may extend your love and mercy to all people.
We ask this in the name of Jesus, the Eternal Word,
who lives with you and the Holy Spirit forever. Amen.

S: You’ve been listening to Just a thought with Seamus Madigan

B: and Brenda Cribbin. We can be contacted through the Limerick Diocesan Offices at 66 O’ Connell Street or by e-mailing smadigan@limerickdiocese.org. If you would like your own copy of this reflection you can download it by clicking on limerickdiocese.org

S: We look forward to your company again next week, so take care…..

S& B: Byeeeeee……

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