It is important to reflect on hope during this season of Advent, when we prepare for the coming of Christ at Christmas. Here are some words of encouragement from Pope Francis on hope in times of darkness:
In our times, which seem so dark we often feel lost in the face of the wickedness and the violence that surround us. We may even feel discouraged, because we feel powerless, and it seems the darkness might never end.
But we should never give up hope because God, with His love, journeys with us, He does not leave us alone, and the Lord Jesus has overcome evil, and opened up the path of life.
Let us allow ourselves, then, to teach hope, to faithfully await the coming of the Lord, and whatever desert we might have in our life will become a flowering garden.
Readings for Friday of the Second Week of Advent
Is 48:17-19. Ps 1:1-4, 6, R/ cf. Jn 8:12. Mt 11:16-19. www.catholicbishops.ie/readings
Audio: Advent Thought for the Day
Each day during Advent we are bringing you an audio Today’s Thought for the Day is from Father Willie Purcell, a priest of the Diocese of Ossory and part of the Irish Bishops’ Conference outreach to Immigrants. In this piece Father Purcell shares a story about a recent visit to Athens and a meeting with some homeless children.
Visual Thought for the Day
Today’s thought for the day visual for sharing on social media is from Pope Francis.
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 a cautionary word about adults not looking down on young people:
Let us also keep in mind that Jesus had no use for adults who looked down on the young or lorded it over them. On the contrary, he insisted that “the greatest among you must become like the youngest” (Lk 22:26). For him age did not establish privileges, and being young did not imply lesser worth or dignity. (CV 14)
#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
Do an extra chore at home for your parents or grandparents without being asked!
Let’s Be Family – Act of Charity
Consider using one of the many Giving Trees available in shops. This is another way to share some goodwill with those in need at this time of year.
Living Advent by Caring for Our Common Home
Can you make a list of five things you plan to change in the New year to help you and your family to live more simply?
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 Intentions for the Day to Pray Together
1. For the poor, the hungry, the unemployed, for people without homes,
and all those still struggling to recover from natural disasters.
2. For the Church: that this Advent may be a time marked by simplicity, calmness and quietness
as we wait in hope and wonder for Jesus who is present in our lives now and whose future reign is coming.
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.
Video: Blessing of the Christmas Tree in the Home
Advent Music
Let us go rejoicing to the house of the Lord.
