Today the Church praises smallness. God’s works begin by sprouting from a seed, from little things. Jesus speaks about this smallness of the Kingdom: the small heart, humble, that is open to the revelation of the Lord. – Pope Francis
Readings for Friday of the First Week of Advent
Is 29:17-24. Ps 26:1, 4, 13-14, R/ v 1. Mt 9:27-31. www.catholicbishops.ie/readings
One of the signs of the Day of the Lord is that the eyes of the blind will see. Jesus cures two blind men because of their faith in him. In Christ, the true light, we can truly see, have visions, discern with wisdom.
Advent Saint of the Day – Saint Nicholas
Saint Nicholas was a fourth-century Bishop of Myra in modern-day Turkey of whom little is known. He is patron of Russia, of sailors, of pawnbrokers and of children.
Audio: Advent Thought for the Day
Each day during Advent we are bringing you an audio Thought for the Day on a different theme. Today’s Thought for the Day is from Brenda Drumm, Communications Officer with the Irish Catholic Bishops’ Conference. In this piece Brenda shares a reflection on counting, time and waiting which is taken from Candles in the Night published by Veritas.
Click below to listen to today’s thought for the day.
Visual Thought for the Day
Today’s Thought for the Day visual that we invite you to share on social media is a short but very beautiful Advent poem from John Bell.
The Words of Pope Francis
“Christ is alive! He is our hope, and in a wonderful way he brings youth to our world. The very first words, then, that I would like to say to every young Christian are these: Christ is alive and he wants you to be alive!”.
Thus begins the post-synodal Apostolic Exhortation, Christus vivit (Christ is alive) by Pope Francis published in April. This year’s Advent Calendar is featuring Pope Francis’ words from Christus vivit which he has addressed to young people , and to the entire People of God and published on 2 April 2019. In the document, the Pope explains that he allowed himself to be “inspired by the wealth of reflections and conversations of the Synod” on Young People, the Faith and Vocational Discernment which took place in the Vatican in October 2018.
Today’s excerpt is on the meaning of the word vocation:
“The word “vocation” can be understood in a broad sense as a calling from God, including the call to life, the call to friendship with him, the call to holiness, and so forth. This is helpful, since it situates our whole life in relation to the God who loves us. It makes us realize that nothing is the result of pure chance but that everything in our lives can become a way of responding to the Lord, who has a wonderful plan for us.” (CV 248)
#LivingAdvent 2019
During Advent are sharing family prayers and suggestions for acts of kindness or charity that all of us are encouraged to undertake during the month of December. The Advent Calendar is also also offering tips on how families can care for our common home by having a more sustainable Christmas.
Advent Random Act of Kindness
Give someone your place in a queue!
Let’s Be Family – Act of Charity
Support families in need in countries ravaged by famine and conflict. Purchase one of this year’s Trócaire Christmas Gifts and give the gift of a family farming kit, a beehive, land for a family hope. Check out all the options on www.trocaire.org.
Living Advent by Caring for Our Common Home
Use recycled rather than plastic bags when shopping.
Living Advent by welcoming Migrants and Refugees
At home, at school, at work, wherever we go today, let us be committed to welcoming the vulnerabilities of our brothers and sisters with whom we come into contact.
Advent Prayers
Our Prayer Intention for the Day to Pray Together
We pray for all who spread the gospel:
that they may preach the good news fearlessly
and encourage people to rejoice in the Lord.
Amen
Prayer in Remembrance during Advent
Advent and the Sacrament of Reconciliation
“The call to renewal of our Christian life is a central part of our preparation for the season of Christmas. The celebration of Advent, which began on Sunday last, should be an integral part of our preparation for the Feast of the birth of Our Saviour. In the Sacrament of Reconciliation (or Penance), we receive the gift of God’s mercy and forgiveness. Bishops strongly encouraged all Catholics to make time to avail of the gift of God’s love in the Sacrament of Reconciliation during the season of Advent.”
Friday Penance during Advent
Make a special effort at family prayer. Make the Stations of the Cross. Do something to help the poor, sick or lonely.
Advent Music
On Jordan’s Bank
“On Jordan’s bank the Baptist’s cry
announces that the Lord is nigh;
awake and hearken, for he brings
glad tidings of the King of kings.”
