Dear Parishioners,
Fourth Sunday of Advent (Year A)
As we enter into our final week and we prepare for the Nativity of Our Lord, the pace of things speeds up, so that the spiritual side tends to get lost. One of the sad things I have noticed is that Advent seems to be pushed aside and people are simply thinking 'what I shall buy for my family and friends for Christmas'. It is so easy to get caught up in the rush of shopping that we push to the background the spiritual side in our lives. However, the substance of these hopes is often dictated by commercial interests. Little wonder, then, that when the sun goes down on Christmas Day, many feel disappointed. Those who pin their hopes on what the merchants promise will always be disappointed, not because they promise too little, but too much - of the wrong thing. What our hearts long for is a taste of what the angels announced to the shepherds: 'Behold, I bring news of a great joy; today a saviour has been born to you.' This joy is the real hope of Christmas. Let us open our hearts to receive it.
As Pope Benedict said 'on this Sunday the Gospel of St. Matthew recounts the birth of Jesus from St. Joseph's viewpoint. He was betrothed to Mary who, "before they came together… was found to be with child of the Holy Spirit"… St. Joseph is presented as "a just man", faithful to God's law and ready to do his will… Having given up the idea of divorcing Mary secretly, Joseph took her to himself because he then saw God's work in her with his own eyes. Although he had felt distressed, Joseph "did as the Angel of the Lord commanded him", certain that he was doing the right thing… The new man is outlined in him, who looks with trust and courage to the future. He does not follow his own plans but entrusts himself without reserve to the infinite mercy of the one who will fulfil the prophecies and open the time of salvation.'
I wish you all many blessings of Advent.
Deacon Kevin
The sick and housebound
Those who have recently died
Years Mind:
Tuesday: Fr William Guinevan
Thursday: Fr Arthur Cowd
Friday: Bishop Brian Foley
Sunday: Fr Wilfrid Thompson
The Nativity of Our Lord
Mass in the Night
First Reading Isaiah. 9:1-7
The prophet's description of the blessings associated with the coming of the Messiah explains for us this great
light which has dawned, heralding a time of abundance, liberation from oppression and promise of peace.
Second Reading Titus 2:11-14
Paul keeps us focused on the Easter dimension, present in all Christ's mysteries, including that of Christmas.
Gospel Luke 2:1-14
The Lord of lords, King of kings and Saviour of the universe, was born not in a palace but in a manger in a stable.
Dawn Mass
First Reading Isaiah. 62:11-12
The Church is brought into being through the coming of Christ.
Second Reading Titus 3:4-7
Paul summaries the heart of the Gospel Christ.
Gospel Luke 2:15-20
The child sleeps while all around him kneel in wonder.