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 be only the voice that carries the word God puts in his mouth. His way is to hand over totally to Christ. This Sunday is sometimes called ‘Gaudete (Rejoice) Sunday’ 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 here, and particularly in Advent. The cleansing in this sacrament helps to make ‘a highway for our God’ through our cluttered lives. It used to be said that “all may, no one must, and some should” make use of this Sacrament of the Church. Confession times are on Saturday as advertised, or by appointment.
S. Michael’s Church School has finished for the year. At their final Mass, 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 children leaving the School for other reasons, 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. The next day there is the Children’s Crib and Carols Service, to which some come who have little other connection to S. Michael’s. We are glad to welcome them, and we would appreciate offers of help with hospitality and the running of this simple service.
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.
Fr Peter Williams
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 Isaiah 45: 6b–8, 21b–25 Luke 7: 18b–23
Thursday Isaiah 54: 1–10 Luke 7: 24–30
Friday Genesis 49: 2, 8–10 Matthew 1: 1–17
Saturday Jeremiah 23: 5–8 Matthew 1: 18–24
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 Isaiah 45: 6b–8, 21b–25 Luke 7: 18b–23
Thursday Isaiah 54: 1–10 Luke 7: 24–30
Friday Genesis 49: 2, 8–10 Matthew 1: 1–17
Saturday Jeremiah 23: 5–8 Matthew 1: 18–24
