Dear Friends,
Today, the third Sunday of Advent, we celebrate the joy that comes to those who open their lives to the Spirit of God. In the case of John the Baptist we see the joy that belongs to those who pretend to be nothing other than their humble selves. He is content to reject all honours and his only pride is in being the voice that carries the word God puts in his mouth. His way is to hand himself over totally to Christ. This Sunday is sometimes called ‘Gaudete Sunday’ (using the Latin word for Rejoice) because of the references to joy in the texts. The vestments worn today are rose, and the third candle on the Advent wreath is pink. The music also reflects this theme of joy.
The Sacrament of Reconciliation (Confession) is always available at S. Michael’s, and is so particularly in Advent. The cleansing in this sacrament helps to make ‘a highway for our God’ through our cluttered lives. Some confession times are advertised in the Trumpet and on the notice-boards, but other times are available by appointment. It used to be said that ‘all may, no one must, and some should’ make use of this Sacrament of the Church.
S. Michael’s Church School has finished for the year. At the final Mass on Thursday, each of the Year 8 leavers spoke confidently of some of the things that had been important for them at S. Michael’s. Their offerings were followed by the refrain: For what has been, thanks be to God, for what is, thanks be to God, for what shall be, thanks be to God. We also blessed other children leaving the School for one reason or another, some of them returning overseas to live. We wish all those involved in schools a refreshing and safe summer holiday, and enthusiasm for the next step of their journey.
Next Sunday evening we have our service of Nine Lessons and Carols for Christmas, for which the choir has prepared carefully. Come and bring your friends. This will be followed by a special supper in the hall. And on Monday 22 December at 6:30 pm we have our Children’s Carol & Crib Service. Included among those who come are some with little other connection to S. Michael’s. It is good to welcome them. We would appreciate further offers of help with hospitality and the running of this simple service.
Please remember the Christian World Service Christmas Appeal as you budget and spend during this season. Envelopes are available today for your gift at Christmas, and there are also CWS calendars for only $5 each.
We look forward to wonderful services at Christmas. Again, this may be an opportunity to introduce new people to S. Michael’s, and even to Christian faith.
May God bless you all.
Peter Willaims
Advent Readings: Week Three
Monday Numbers 24: 2–7, 15–17 Matthew 21: 23–27
Tuesday Zephaniah 3: 1–2, 9–13 Matthew 21: 28–32
Wednesday Genesis 49: 2, 8–10 Matthew 1: 1–17
Thursday Jeremiah 23: 5–8 Matthew 1: 18–24
Friday Judges 13: 2–7, 24–25 Luke 1: 5–25
Saturday Isaiah 7: 10–14 Luke 1: 26–38
