Third Sunday of Advent B

The following are prayerful resources rather than a liturgy.

The gospel for the day
Commentary on the readings
Some optional questions for reflection
Prayers of Intercession
Cluster Prayer
The gospel of the week ahead with questions

John 1: 6-8,19-28 'There stands among you the one coming after me.

A man came, sent by God. His name was John. He came as a witness,
as a witness to speak for the light, so that everyone might believe through him.
He was not the light, only a witness to speak for the light.
This is how John appeared as a witness. When the Jews sent priests and Levites from Jerusalem to ask him, ‘Who are you?’ he not only declared, but he declared quite openly, ‘I am not the Christ.’ ‘Well then,’ they asked ‘are you Elijah?’ ‘I am not’ he said. ‘Are you the Prophet?’ He answered, ‘No.’ So they said to him, ‘Who are you? We must take back an answer to those who sent us. What have you to say about yourself?’ So John said, ‘I am, as Isaiah prophesied:
a voice that cries in the wilderness: Make a straight way for the Lord.’
Now these men had been sent by the Pharisees, and they put this further question to him, ‘Why are you baptising if you are not the Christ, and not Elijah, and not the prophet?’ John replied, ‘I baptise with water; but there stands among you – unknown to you – the one who is coming after me; and I am not fit to undo his sandal-strap.’ This happened at Bethany, on the far side of the Jordan, where John was baptising.

This is the gospel of the Lord.

Having used our prayer resources, you might want simply to reflect yourself on them and how that might flow into your coming week. Some people have found it very helpful to meet with others and share their thoughts.
If you are interested in joining a small group to share your thoughts and feelings about God's Word from any of the resources you have watched please email us. cluster.alpha@outlook.com

Questions for reflection (framed for a group discussion)

John's style of proclaiming was as "a voice crying in the wilderness..."

In many ways, our modern world is a faith wilderness - many not knowing much about Jesus.

John's strident voice might not go down well with most inquirers nowadays.

Discuss with your group what would be the basics for a "authentic voice" in today's world.
What work of justice could you do this week to bring someone joy? *

* All second questions © The Pastoral Center

On this, Gaudete Sunday, we pray for Pope Francis and the leaders of our faith communities that by humbly relying on God’s spirit of love and wisdom , they will radiate joy and hope , to a world and Church that so need peace , joy and hope. And we pray that their words and actions bring health in mind and body and not condemnation.
Lord hear us, Lord graciously hear us

We bring before our heavenly Father the heart-breaking situation in Gaza and the Holy Land, where there seems to be no end to suffering , death and fear. We put our hands in the hand of God and plead for a just peace and deliverance from the forces of destruction . May we take time to listen to what God is asking of us in this traumatic time for the Holy Land.
Lord hear us, Lord graciously hear us

For our country, especially for those who are struggling to provide for their families , we ask that our Lord will raise up leaders who are close to God’s heart in bringing good news to the poor, in supporting families, those who are vulnerable and alone , and those who are fleeing violence and desperately seeking places of safety
Lord hear us, Lord graciously hear us

We ask the Lord to lead us in forming and growing our parish communities, that we all see our potential as missionary disciples, and take courage from God’s spirit to see, reflect and act so we experience the Kingdom of God here and be a light to our neighbours
Lord hear us, Lord graciously hear us

For those who are burdened by mental and physical ill health, and those who care for them, that they will experience the prayerful and practical support of our faith communities so they do not lose hope in their suffering but find peace, consolation and companionship. We remember especially those named by the Prayer Foundation..
Lord hear us, Lord graciously hear us

For those in our parishes, communities and families who have passed away recently and those whose anniversaries are at this time , that they will rest in peace in the love of God. We ask that their loved ones be comforted by God’s Holy Spirit. We remember especially those named by the Prayer Foundation
Lord hear us, Lord graciously hear us

Let us now say together our prayer to be missionary disciples.

Prayer to be Missionary Disciples

Lord continue to bless our community
in this time of transition.
Help us on our journey
to grow from a maintenance church
to a missionary church.
Give us the courage
to be missionary disciples.
Make our doors wide enough
to receive all who need
human love and fellowship;
narrow enough to shut out
all envy, pride and prejudice.
Kindle in us the fire of your love
that all who come here
will find joy, peace and love.
Make this a house of prayer
and a gateway to your kingdom.
AMEN

Preparing for next week - Fourth Sunday of Advent B

Luke 1:26-38 'I am the handmaid of the Lord'

The angel Gabriel was sent by God to a town in Galilee called Nazareth, to a virgin betrothed to a man named Joseph, of the House of David; and the virgin’s name was Mary. He went in and said to her, ‘Rejoice, so highly favoured! The Lord is with you.’ She was deeply disturbed by these words and asked herself what this greeting could mean, but the angel said to her, ‘Mary, do not be afraid; you have won God’s favour. Listen! You are to conceive and bear a son, and you must name him Jesus. He will be great and will be called Son of the Most High. The Lord God will give him the throne of his ancestor David; he will rule over the House of Jacob for ever and his reign will have no end.’ Mary said to the angel, ‘But how can this come about, since I am a virgin?’ ‘The Holy Spirit will come upon you’ the angel answered ‘and the power of the Most High will cover you with its shadow. And so the child will be holy and will be called Son of God. Know this too: your kinswoman Elizabeth has, in her old age, herself conceived a son, and she whom people called barren is now in her sixth month, for nothing is impossible to God.’ ‘I am the handmaid of the Lord,’ said Mary ‘let what you have said be done to me.’ And the angel left her.

This is the gospel of the Lord.

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Questions for reflection (framed for a group discussion)

God brings new life to the barren wife and the unprepared young girl because in the words of the angel: "for nothing is impossible to God".

What wonders could God perform through us if we accept him fully into our lives?

In your faith journey this last year, what did you do/say that surprised you for its boldness
to accept a challenge even if it did not work out as you had planned?
How do you open your heart to what God wants for you?
How do you follow the pathway that leads to happiness? *

Third Sunday of Advent B

Prayers of intercession 3 rd Sunday of Advent year B

Let us now say together our prayer to be missionary disciples.

Prayer to be Missionary Disciples