Advent 3 A Fuller Life
One of the strongest anaesthetics available without prescription is the TV. We all know the benefits of an hour's 'switch off' time with a favourite TV programme. Yet how many of us spend evenings watching actors live their TV lives while our own lives remain unlived? Life with all its real and raw pain and pleasure is for living. How much time do we spend living it?
Real life presents us with a bewildering range of ups and downs and invites us to be . . . real: to be fully alive to what bothers us . . .and fully aware of what makes us laugh. The alternative? An experience akin to a dentist's injection: our pain is numbed - by another drink, a new handbag, a new relationship - but our capacity to enjoy, to taste life, is also affected.
Our invitation today is to join with Zephaniah's "Rejoice with all your heart, God is in your midst". We are asked to taste life with all its sadness and laughter and to bring our real-life experience to the God who gives the gift of life and who is with us, accepting, loving and supporting us in good times and in bad. No need for anaesthetic, just honesty.
(First prayer is taken from Sunday THINK-DO-PRAY suggestions for the week)
Loving God Christmas is a time of year when we can feel obliged to be happy. As we pray today we take a moment to become aware of how we are really feeling - good or bad. . . . pause . . .. Help us to use the opportunities in this Mass and in the week ahead to tell you how we are feeling. Help us to appreciate that you are listening, that you care.
Lord Hear Us
Loving God May we be sensitive to those who are having difficulties or experiencing pain this week. Help us in our listening and in our words and actions to be signs for them of your supportive and accepting presence with them.
Lord Hear Us
Loving God We pray for an ability to enjoy life with all its ups and downs. Help us to trust in your strength and support in both the dark times and in times of happiness. Let us be signs of your presence to each other in our joys and in our sorrows.
Lord Hear Us