As we approach Advent, and leave the present liturgical year behind, we are once again invited to think of the future realistically. The Communion antiphon says: it is good for me to be with the Lord and to put my hope in him. And the Communion Prayer says: Father, may we grow in love. That sums it all up for us. Our End of Time is: “Love that moves the sun and the other stars”, Dante, Paradiso, Canto XXXIII, last line. -Rev. Richard J. Taylor, Spiritual Advisor, MaterCare International
Blessing the Advent Wreath
(by laypersons) O God, by whose word all things are sanctified, pour forth thy blessing upon this wreath and grant that we who use it may prepare our hearts for the Coming of Christ, and may receive from thee abundant graces. Through Christ Our Lord. Amen.
Original source: the blog of His Grace, Archbishop Terrence Prendergast
One of the greatest sorrows in the history of Christianity is that Christians have so often fought and killed fellow Christians. The history of imperialism and colonialism shows how they killed and enslaved so many others too. The first Christians would not even serve in the army. And in our own time many including Christians rejected conscription since it would involve killing. Many question whether there can be a just war when nuclear arms are involved.
Gratitude
But this special Sunday, with so many other people, we remember with gratitude those who gave their lives that we might live in freedom.