39. The Soul
This third week of Advent sees the lighting of the pink candle on our Advent wreaths and the celebration of Gaudete Sunday when many of our priests will wear pink vestments. But Gaudete Sunday is about more than just a change in colour. It is a time during the Advent season when we look with joy to the coming of Jesus and recognize His presence in our lives right now.
In the readings at Mass this weekend the obvious theme is rejoicing. Sometimes called a mini Lent, Advent is a time of penitential, prayerful anticipation, and yet Gaudete Sunday provides us something of a respite, a chance to feed our hope. It is a moment of joy in the midst of prayerful preparation. In fact, Gaudete is more than an invitation, it is a command of the Church to rejoice. Jesus is coming to earth. So let us rejoice, the Lord is near.
This 3 Minute Theology Episode from the Diocese of Nashville gives an overview of Gaudete Sunday.
Advent with Bishop Greg Homeming - Recorded at St Mary’s Parish, Casino on Tuesday December 1, this 40 minute talk from Bishop Greg gives a concise overview of the Advent season; its history, its purpose and how we can make the most of it with the gift of virtues.
Pope Francis on Prayer - This 90 second clip from @pontifex summarizes Pope Francis on the topic of prayer.
- Draw Me Into You by our very own Proclaim Lismore Wildfire is a beautiful prayer to our ever loving, all knowing God. Sit with this peaceful lyric video during Advent and give yourself over to God.
Draw me into you
Draw me to my knees
Help me lay it down
All my hopes, all my life, all of me
- Noel brings us back to the heart of the Christmas story, reminding us that Jesus was born to suffer, save us and raise us from the grave.
- In every moment, Jesus calls us into a relationship with Him. Here is a powerful hymn that helps us understand that Christ is born for all of us - O Come All You Unfaithful.
Follow @_littlesaints on Instagram and Facebook as Chiara posts quirky original artwork of Saints on their Feast day along with in-depth biographies and quotes.
Catholic Influencers Podcast - Join Fr Rob Galea, Alyssa Agius and Georga Byrne for weekly conversations about upcoming Sunday Mass readings, and relevant life topics from a Catholic perspective.
- The St Mary’s Parish Casino, YouTube Channel contains Advent reflections, Bishop Greg’s Advent message and Fr Bing’s homily at the Philipino Community Mass to name just some of the great resources available.
- Jesus 2020 is a Free, Virtual National Conference that will be live-streamed from the campus of Franciscan University in Steubenville, Ohio December 11th and 12th.
Click the image above to submit your prayer intentions. Each week the prayer intentions are passed onto the Carmelite Sister's at the Carmelite Convent in Goonellabah.
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Proclaim Lismore Staff
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