Scripture for Mass
Isaiah 2:1-5.
Ps. 122 (121): 1-2. 4-5. 6-7, 8-9. Response: cf. 1.
Romans 13:11-14a
Matthew 24:37-44
Many people talk in their sleep; some people walk in their sleep; and a few people, while fully asleep, get up and drive a vehicle. While it appears to others that these people are consciously engaged in activity, they are in fact totally unaware of what they are doing.
Could it be, however, that the majority of us, caught up in a mindless mode of living, are in fact sleepwalking our way through life? Could this be the reason that we seek relaxation and enjoyment through entertainment which glorifies violence? That we endorse views in daily conversation and in social media that demean those who differ from us? Yes, in so many subtle ways, we have become complicit in sowing distrust and normalising aggression.
This is the context in which St. Paul’s calls out: “the hour has come for you to wake from sleep.” However, waking from sleepwalking is difficult because then we will realise that we had been deluded into thinking that our way of life was Christ-like when in fact we were unwitting contributors in so many ways to the brutality of our world.
During Advent, we are called to turn away from all forms of violence and actively promote God’s peace in our recreation, relationships and activities – to turn our swords into ploughs and our spears into pruning hooks. We are invited to “put on the Lord Jesus Christ” by becoming peacemakers and peacekeepers so that the Prince of Peace can make his home in our world.
Come Light of Nations, and awaken us to see our blind complicity in promoting violence in our everyday lives.
Open the eyes of our hearts so that we might recognize our indifference to the many forms of suffering around us.
Come Christ Jesus, and calm our anxious hearts and minds so that our words convey understanding and kindness,
our actions express respect and compassion towards all people, but particularly to those who differ from us.
Come Prince of Peace, and grant us the wisdom and patience, the courage and commitment
to collaborate with others in welcoming you into our world. Amen.
Fr. Tim Mulroy
PRIEST: With confidence in the coming of the Son of God Our Lord Jesus Christ, we humbly ask Our Loving Father to help us prepare to receive him with confidence and heads erect.
READER:
- We pray for the Church that in these dark times of violence hatred, may we be renewed in faith and hope reaching out to one another in love as the Lord’s true disciples. Lord hear us…
- In God’s infinite love we have each been called to be confirmed in Love and holiness, always ready to greet our Master and God when he comes. May we help each other to grow in our understanding of the Word of God and receive it in love and joy. Lord hear us…
- Let us pray for the world’s leaders and diplomats that all nations may work together for justice and to build a world of peace and hope for future generations. Lord hear us…
- Let us remember the victims of violence and war everywhere,and especially the children who suffer so much. May they know the Love and compassion they need. Lord hear us…
- Let us pray for all who are sick and for all who are in hospital that they may be aware that the Lord is with them in their troubles. Lord hear us…
Let us ask Mary the Mother of the Lord to pray with us. Hail Mary…
In the silence of our hearts, let us pray for our own families and friends.
PRIEST: Almighty and ever-living God, we give thanks for all the graces that you bless us with. Help us to be filled with your spirit as we await the Day of the Lord as true witnesses to your Love;
we ask this through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
