Third Sunday of Advent 2024 - Year C

Gospel for the day - Third Sunday of Advent

Luke 3:10-18 'And we, what shall we do?'

At that time: The crowds asked John, ‘What, then, shall we do?’ And he answered them, ‘Whoever has two tunics is to share with him who has none, and whoever has food is to do likewise.’ Tax collectors also came to be baptised and said to him, ‘Teacher, what shall we do?’ And he said to them, ‘Collect no more than you are authorized to do.’ Soldiers also asked him, ‘And we, what shall we do?’ And he said to them, ‘Do not extort money from anyone by threats or by false accusation, and be content with your wages.’


As the people were filled with expectation, and all were questioning in their hearts concerning John, whether he might be the Christ, John answered them all, saying, ‘I baptise you with water, but he who is mightier than I is coming, the strap of whose sandals I am not worthy to untie. He will baptise you with the Holy Spirit and fire. His winnowing fork is in his hand, to clear his threshing floor and to gather the wheat into his barn, but the chaff he will burn with unquenchable fire.’ So with many other exhortations he preached good news to the people.


This is the gospel of the Lord. Commentary on the readings.


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)

We might reflect on today’s gospel - noting that we have foodbanks and benefits payments; we have industrial tribunals and law courts; we have an NHS and free education. We are mostly paying (through taxes) to have someone else “fix” our society, our world. John the Baptist is not asking for systems to change; he is calling for personal transformation. When that happens all the rest follows.


  1. All personal transformation is three steps forward, two steps back. Make a note of some small change you want to make in yourself over course of this church year. Ask your group for advice about it.
  2. What might John the Baptist challenge you to do differently in your life?*

 * All second questions © The Pastoral Center


Prayers of Intercession

We pray for Pope Francis and all those who have leadership responsibility in the church, that they be open and filled with the Holy Spirit and so bring the good news of God’s love, hope and healing to our world, particularly to people most vulnerable to abuse and neglect.
Come Lord Jesus, come.

 

For our leaders in nations, business and faith communities, that they shun the illusions of power and short term gain and recognise that leadership is modelled in the person of Jesus and therefore foster a culture of life and dignity to all peoples in their care.
Come Lord Jesus, come.

 

For our brothers and sisters living in places scarred by conflict, that they will find peace and hope. With the cooperation of the International community may they be enabled to rebuild communities where they feel safe and secure . We bring before our heavenly Father the people of Gaza, Lebanon, Syria, Sudan, Nigeria, Afghanistan , Pakistan, and all Christians facing persecution for their faith.
Come Lord Jesus, come.

 

At this time of advent whilst we await the coming of the Christ child , we ask our heavenly father to protect , heal and bring peace to children of the Holy Land. We remember particularly in prayer, those children whose family members have been killed and whose homes have been destroyed.

Come Lord Jesus, come.

 

For members of our parishes, families and friends who are suffering from ill health, anxiety and isolation, that they be comforted and calmed by the presence of God, our parishioners, their families and friends. We remember especially Fr Alex , Joe Kaminski and those mentioned by the Prayer Foundation.
Come Lord Jesus, come.


We pray for those who have died especially Dinah Porteous, Eddie McKelvey and Doreen Lamb and those  recently bereaved, that our loving and tender heavenly Father will comfort them at this time of sorrow, and also for all those who are struggling to cope with the loss of loved ones.
Come Lord Jesus, come.



We will now say together the prayer to be missionary disciples.


Cluster prayer

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

Luke 1:39-45 ‘Why is this granted to me that the mother of my Lord should come to me?’


In those days Mary arose and went with haste into the hill country, to a town in Judah, and she entered the house of Zechariah and greeted Elizabeth. And when Elizabeth heard the greeting of Mary, the baby leaped in her womb. And Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit, and she exclaimed with a loud cry, ‘Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb! And why is this granted to me that the mother of my Lord should come to me? For behold, when the sound of your greeting came to my ears, the baby in my womb leaped for joy. And blessed is she who believed that there would be a fulfilment of what was spoken to her from the Lord.’


This is the gospel of the Lord. Commentary on the readings.


Questions for reflection (framed for a group discussion)


Most women fall pregnant in a context of joyful anticipation and this delightful gospel scene is one such. Their joy is such that even John in the womb joins in!

In letting God into her life Mary will experience both joy and sadness – both must be embraced if her relationship with her God is to become even closer. Mary is the role model for all of us in this way.


  1. Often we find ourselves turning to God in times of sadness or crisis and less so in times of great joy and happiness. Let’s spend some time this week being thankful for all the blessings that God has given us.
  2. When was it hardest for you to trust in God’s plan for you, as Mary did? What can help you at such times?*

 * All second questions © The Pastoral Center