“In the pink” A possibility where there is a chasuble in that colour or nearby rose. The sign that the third Sunday of Advent also known as Rejoice Sunday marks the fact that our joyful expectation moves us ever closer to the Nativity. John the Baptist who last week was reminding us to review our lives (repent is the way he put it) this week checks out the identity of the one who reveals the work of the Messiah. On Wednesday December 17th we begin the countdown of “Greater Advent “. In the Mass and the Office, we begin using a form of invitation when we recall the titles of the expected one. These are also contained in the Advent Hymn – “O come, O come and Rejoice”. Make the most of the remaining days of Advent with a sense of patient waiting.
Bishop Richard’s Weekly Reflection
Dear brothers and sisters,
This Sunday finds us celebrating Gaudete Sunday – Rejoicing Sunday – taking its name from the first word of the Entrance Antiphon at Mass: Rejoice. The vestment colour changes to Rose, a sign that we are at a mid-point in the Season of Advent. We rejoice that the coming of the Lord is near.
The readings speak of waiting in patience. In the Gospel, Jesus speaks of John the Baptist as the greatest person born of woman. Yet He compares John to the least in the Kingdom of heaven – we wait in patience for the coming of the Kingdom. Isaiah speaks of the promise of God’s coming and the need for us to be ready – but patience is needed, for the Lord has not yet come.
James, in his letter, calls plainly for patience. His words reflect Isaiah – we must be ready for the coming of the Lord and be patient until He comes again.
We live in a world where so many expect instantaneous results. The world seems, perhaps, to move faster – and there are many in our communities, our homes, who feel the pain of isolation. Like those to whom James writes, we need to learn the patience of the farmer, who must wait for the rain, the sun and the results of the crop.
As Jesus’ followers, we have an opportunity for a particular witness to the world – a certain slowing of pace that is the witness of patient and joyful waiting. Spending time in prayer, living the rhythm of the seasons of the Church’s year, reflecting on the Scriptures and giving time to our brothers and sisters. Such life prepares us for the coming of the Kingdom of God and will enable us to truly celebrate the feast of the Lord’s birth.
With every blessing,
+ Richard
Carol Service
Come along on Sunday Evening (14th December) to St Mary’s at 7pm. Enjoy, listen and sing. Refreshments in the Hall. Donations for the roof fund.
Mass Schedule
- Sunday 14th December 10am 3rd Sunday of Advent
- Monday 15th December 8:15am St Mary’s House
- Wednesday 17th December 9:30am
- Wednesday 17th December 12pm Requiem Mass for John Glasheen RIP
- Friday 19th December 9:30am
- Sunday 21st December 10am 4th Sunday of Advent
The Sacrament of Reconciliation
- St Thomas More Saturday 12 noon
- St Mary’s Saturday 5:15pm – 5:45pm
- St Joseph’s Saturday 11am to 11:45am
- Sacred Heart Saturday 5:15pm – 5:45pm
- Sacred Heart Sunday 21st December 3pm – four priests will be available to hear confession
The Assisted Suicide Bill
This is with the House of Lords. Have your say.
Unlike MPs, Members of the House of Lords do not have constituents, meaning there is not a Peer whose job it is to represent you based on the area of the country in which you live.
For this reason you should take some time to think about which Peer you will write to and why – such as whether you have a personal or professional connection with them, or you have professional expertise in medicine or healthcare. If you know a former MP for your constituency has been elevated to the House of Lords they may be interested in hearing from you. Click here to continue.
Herald of the joyful tidings
Stand upon the mountain high
Lift your voice, O be not frightened
Bravely raise the Gospel cry.
God himself will come to save us
From our grave iniquities
Soon our longing eyes will see him
Jesus, Saviour Prince of peace.
St Thomas More Church, Patcham, Brighton 