SECOND SUNDAY OF ADVENT (C)
(Bible Sunday)
9th December 2018


Dear Parishioner

On this second Sunday of Advent, today's liturgy tells of the lonely but insistent voice of John the Baptist urging us to 'prepare a way for the Lord'.

The prophet Baruch delivers a comforting message to Sion (first reading). Her sorrows are ended and her children will be restored to her from exile. God will level a highway to facilitate their return, and bring about a great restoration. Even though the actual return from exile fell far short of the picture painted it did point the way to the messianic era.

In the Gospel Luke introduces us to the Messiah and his herald, John the Baptist. To underline the universality of salvation, Luke sets the event within the framework of world history. In the manner of an Old Testament prophet, John undertakes to prepare the people for the coming of the Saviour by calling them to repentance. We have a Reconciliation Service on Thursday 20th at 7.00 pm in the Church of the Blessed Sacrament, Melbourne Avenue, Chelmsford.

The Second Reading from the letter of St. Paul to the Philippians deals with the final coming of Christ. In his love for his fellow Christians, Paul urges them to prepare for the Second Coming by pure and blameless lives.

Our Bishop Alan urges us to pray for vocations. He says "we give thanks that in the last year two priests have been ordained to secular priesthood and one to the religious priesthood. Also two men have been ordained to the permanent diaconate and one as a deacon." Please pray for those discerning vocation. May the Holy Season of Advent continue to bring us and our families closer to Christ.

God bless,

Deacon Kevin


Notices:

Please remember to pray for:

Daily for the sick clergy of our Diocese

The sick and housebound

Those who have recently died: Cathy Harrison, Ursula Furze

Years Mind:
Sunday: Fr John Lane
Wednesday: Fr Geoffrey Pye, Fr Eamonn Magrath
Thursday: Fr George Carolan, Fr William Evers, Fr Francis Kerrigan


Next Sunday - THIRD SUNDAY OF ADVENT (C)

First Reading: Zepheniah 3:14-18
The Lord will dance with shouts of joy for you as on a day of festival.

Second Reading: Philippians 4:4-7
The Lord is very near.

Gospel: Luke 3:10-18
What must we do?