WYD and Advent.- any similarities?

WORD YOUTH DAY SERIES

WORLD YOUTH DAY CROSS AND ICON.

WYD and Advent. - any similarities?

World Youth Day and the season of Advent have a number of common and important themes. These include:

1.            WYD and Advent brings forth hope- hope because Christ is the focus. Our attention is drawn to opening our hearts to the voice of Christ, and obeying His commands as they are revealed in the Church. 

2.            WYD and Advent provide an opportunity to develop a spiritual plan of commitment in preparation for them. This then encourages us to live more fruitful lives which are in tune with Gospel values.

3.            WYD and Advent provide us with the opportunity to rely on the providence of God, rather than our own strength and to rely on the power and mercy of God. 
At WYD, the power and mercy of God is powerful when pilgrims from all nations receive the sacrament of Reconciliation. How can any pilgrim ever forget the sight of so many priests available 'hearing confessions' in Hyde Park in Sydney throughout the day for the whole week and at the Catechises each morning without the sacrament being compromised in any way? Amazing.!!!!

4.            WYD and Advent is an experience or time when many experience the closeness of God in their faith journey. It is an opportunity to re-evaluate it and in the words of the prophet Isaiah
' The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light'.  Many pilgrims see the light at WYD and like the wise men return by a different route with peace, hope and enthusiasm. 

By now, you may be closer to deciding to go to Madrid for WYD.  I hope that your preparations at the physical, emotional and spiritual levels are taking place.  If you started earlier in the year and waned, or perhaps you did not yet got started, Advent provides you with a wonderful opportunity to get ready.  Suggestions on how to prepare may be found in my previous posts in this series.  Why not take a look.

Remember Advent is the first of the seasons of the new liturgical year. It is a short season and it can be over in a blink of an eye if you allow it.  The week of WYD goes very quickly too. In both WYD and Advent, pilgrims need to get ready and advent is the perfect starting point for a wonderful faith filled adventure with God.

May this Advent be blessed and incredibly special for all potential pilgrims to WYD Madrid.

The Jesse Tree series: The First Sin: Tuesday of the first week of Advent

THE JESSE TREE SERIES

What does Tuesday of the first week of Advent entail for our Jesse Tree:

THE FIRST SIN

SCRIPTURE: Gen 2:4:3:34.

Chapter 2-3 of Genesis is the story of Adam and Eve and the first fruit.

The second creation narrative in chapter 2 of Genesis gives a simple, yet spirited message to us.  Mankind was created by God out of nothing and is called to live in friendship with God, the Creator.  The masterpiece of creation, he dominates all created beings and by his work he must make the world a better place.  Man and woman share in the same nature; they are made for each other, they fulfill each other.  In the intimacy of marriage, the profound unity of the couple is realized. Mankind’s co-operation with God is a divine extension of the work of creation.

Verse 25 is also important for our relationship with God and with each other.  We know what happens to Adam and Eve in chapter 3 with the temptation and the sin and the effect of it for humanity. 

However, Christian psychologists say that humanity is constantly trying to strive to ‘return to the Garden of Eden’. Everything comes from the hands of God that is good; evil does not have its source in Him. Returning to the Garden of Eden implies that we go to the source of this innate goodness within us.  How we define the Garden of Eden will be different for each person. People want to live blameless lives and to be able to stand with clear conscious (naked) before God who created them, and in front of other people.  The challenge is to reflect on what are the mechanisms we use to hide, to cover ourselves, to protect ourselves.  We might also consider that although ‘it is not good for man to be alone’, this does not mean co-dependency or an enmeshed relationship with a spouse or family.

Reading Ecclesiasticus chapter 17 and reflecting on it with chapter 2 of Genesis may be worthwhile food for thought.

Genesis 3: The Fall.

The sin of Adam and Eve and its consequences for humanity are depicted in a dramatic way in Chapter 3’s narrative. By eating the fruit of the tree of knowledge, ‘man’ wants to decide for himself and on his own what is good and what is bad and to act accordingly: like the song title sung by Bing Crosby ‘I do it my way’. 

Well, we may wonder what was really the sin here, since God gave humanity free will. The sin is that man refuses to accept an objective law. It appears an outrage against divine sovereignty, as a sin of pride. Mankind does not want to submit himself to the order established by God. All mankind who by its revolt against its Creator loses the friendship of God and sinks into wretchedness, it disturbs the order of the universe.  However, God offers mercy, seen in the promise in Gen 3:15 ‘one of the woman’s descendants will crush the serpent’s head’. 

How does this passage link with the New Testament?  Obedient even unto the death of the Cross-, Christ, the perfect Servant of God, will make amends for mankind’s disobedience. Risen from the dead, the new Adam is the first born and the head of a new mankind.  Reading Romans 5 seems to be an excellent link passage to Genesis 3 on the fall.

Another useful passage comes from the Preface of the Cross: ‘Father, in love you created man, in justice you condemned him, but in mercy you redeemed him, through Jesus Christ our Lord. But we must relate this to ourselves. We can be tempted to go into our comfort zones and think that Christ has saved us, the effects of original sin are wiped away at Baptism and all is well. God is indeed generous, but He wants our friendship with Him. 

We need to submit to the divine order daily. A worthwhile friendship needs to be worked at. It does not just happen. We have to commit ourselves to our relationship with God. He knows us and when we do fall, Christ in his divine mercy, through the Church, provides us with the Sacrament of Reconciliation. Perhaps we can reflect on our attitudes towards this sacrament and use it wisely and often to nurture our relationship with God especially during this Advent Season.

..                                      

THE PERSON: Adam and Eve

Adam and Eve were our first parents of all who live. God had given them everything, but had instructed them not to' eat of the fruit in the middle of the garden'- the tree of knowledge. Adam and Eve saw that it was desirable and were tempted by the devil. They disobeyed God's command. When God provided them with the opportunity to own and admit their sin, the first blame game occurred.

THE EVENT/THEME: THE FIRST SIN: During our reflection time today, let us ponder on the first sin of disobedience and pride. We may wish to

1. Offer a prayer of contrition: for the personal and communal sins of the world.
2. Rediscover a greater awareness of sin: Reflect on your own personal weaknesses/sins and rediscover the beauty of the sacrament of Reconciliation this Advent. Let us celebrate God's forgiveness.
3. Make a practical commitment: As today's theme is the first sin, we may wish to spend some time making a thorough examination of conscience making a practical commitment to re-educate ourselves on the nature of sin in our lives and receiving the sacrament of reconciliation more regularly as part of our ongoing spiritual growth (e.g. read section on the Catechism of Catholic Church, seek out other resources that are appropriate to our personal journeys and or find a good spiritual director/confessor to help us grow spiritual flowers, and weed the  garden beds in our soul to remind you of this day and theme of the first sin.

SYMBOL 3: TREE WITH FRUIT OR APPLE

The fruit is a symbol of sin in our lives and those things, which draw us away from God and from obeying Him.

Let us recall Adam Adan and Eve and their first sin. Let us try this advent  to not be drawn to the fruit of disobedience as we prepare our third  symbol ( second cut out symbol) and place it on the tree.

Genesis Series: Chapter 48

GENESIS SERIES

THE BIBLE. EXPLORING GENESIS SERIES ICON.

CHAPTER 48 Joseph with his dying father.

In Chapter 48 Israel said to Joseph ‘I am about to die, but God will be with you and will bring you again to Canaan, the land of your fathers’. (vs21). It is interesting to note that although Jacob was dying, he gathered strength to greet Joseph and tell him what God had conveyed to him Jacob also told Joseph about the inheritance for his adopted grandsons and blessed them (vs 20) according to his purpose, rather than what Joseph recommended. Jacob also blessed Joseph and highlighted again the reason for giving Joseph the inheritance of land.

One cannot help wonder whether the news of the inheritance of land that Jacob had given to Joseph would spark a problem for Joseph.  However, Jacob even whilst he was dying showed his fatherly concern and expressed his love for Joseph and wanted the best for him.

REFLECTION QUESTIONS

What is your experience of relatives who are dying-do they gain strength to tell you something important on their minds?

What is your reaction and response to the news of a relative dying?

What do you think the response of Joseph’s brothers when they discover Jacob’s promise of land to Joseph?

Why did Jacob adopt Joseph’s sons as his life was coming to a close?

Is the relationship between grandparents and grandchildren still as important today as it was in Jacob’s time?

Why do parents perceive to ‘favour’ one of their offspring in a family?

Chapter 48 highlights how important it is for a dying person to be able to let their wishes be known to family members, and the determination and strength they gain until all unfinished business is completed.

The Jesse Tree Series: Creation: Monday of First week of Advent

THE JESSE TREE SERIES:

Creation: Monday of First week of Advent

From now until Christmas Eve, the Jesse tree posts concentrates on 4 elements

·                     The Person:

·                     Event/Theme

·                     Scripture

·                     Symbol.

Commence by reading the scripture passage as it will provide the clues to the person, event/theme and symbol involved for the day.

What does Monday of the first week of Advent entail for our Jesse Tree:

CREATION

SCRIPTURE: Gen 1:1:2:3.

Chapter 1 of Genesis is the story of creation.

In Genesis 1, we have a carefully structured poem like narrative, which describes the creation of the universe and mankind as work done by God in six days and from which He rested on the seventh day. The inspired writer wants to show us how heaven and earth, the universe with all that it contains was created by nothing at all by God.  Everything comes from the hands of God that is good; evil does not have its source in Him.  However, God not only gives mankind dominion over the earth and creates us in the image and likeness of God, but also our co-operation with Him, is a divine extension of the work of creation.

Yet although marvellous is the work of creation, we know sin entered the world.

However, have you ever considered how still more marvellous is the re-creation of mankind by Christ’s redemption.  By faith in Christ and baptism we share in the new creation. Compare Genesis Chapter 1 with Colossians 1.  Paul sets out Christ’s primacy in the natural creation and of supernatural re-creation.

In Genesis, God blesses mankind and marriage was instituted and blessed.   Matthew 19:4-6 echoes this theme from Genesis.

So maybe during this coming week, we may want to stop, look around and rejoice in God’s creation. We may even want to reflect and sing the greatness of God the creator and primacy of the Son of man.

Psalm 8 is a beautiful one, which sings of the greatness of the creator. I hope it may support your reflections on creation and re-creation especially on this first Monday of Advent.   
                                 

THE PERSON: GOD

God is the Creator in this scripture passage. It is good to acknowledge that God is the Creator- made the world from nothing -as scripture tells us ' God spoke and it came into being and indeed it was good'.

THE EVENT/THEME: CREATION: During our reflection time today, let us ponder on the beauty of creation that God created for us. We may wish to

1.            Offer a prayer of thanks to God for the gift of creation.

2.            Rediscover Creation: Look around our own home, parish or neighbourhood to enjoy and rediscover its beauty as part of creation. Let us take a walk in our mind and/or legs.

3.            Make a practical commitment: As today's theme is creation, we may wish to spend some time outside doing something practical to rediscover creation in your world (eg admire some flowers, weed some garden beds, plant a bed of flowers to remind you of this day and theme of creation.

SYMBOL 2: CREATION

The sun, the hills and the trees symbolise creation which God found to be good. Let us respect all of creation recognising the hand of God in the world around us.
Let us recall God and His creation as we prepare our second symbol
(first cut out symbol) and place it on the tree.

Opening Prayer Series: First Sunday of Advent Year A

OPENING PRAYER SERIES 

THE MASS

First Sunday of Advent Year A 

As we commence a new liturgical year, what will YOUR new year spiritual resolution be?

I hope the Opening Prayer series for Year A will add to your spiritual nourishment.

The Opening Prayer for the First Sunday of Advent reads as follows:

OPENING PRAYER 

Let us pray

(that we may take Christ's coming seriously)

All powerful God,

increase our strength of will for doing good,

that Christ may find an eager welcome at His coming

                                               and call us to His side in the kingdom of Heaven,

                                 where He lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit,

                                         one God for ever and ever.

REFLECTION QUESTIONS

Converting this prayer into spirituality in action, the following reflection questions emerged:

1.            What are my hindrances/obstacles which prevent my will from doing
          good?

2.            Name one hindrance/obstacle that I commit to change during this first
           week of Advent?

3.            What is my attitude to Christ in my life (strong? Luke-warm, care-less)

4.            What will I do this week to prepare my body, mind, heart and will to give
           Christ an eager welcome?

5.            Prepare my account of my life that I would present to God when He asks
           me to give 'an account of my life' to God? 

6.            In what ways do I hope to spiritually grow through God's grace in this
           season of Advent?

GOSPEL REFLECTION

Today's Gospel message is quite clear-

  'stay awake because you do not know the day when your master is coming'.   

Jesus reminds his disciples that the Second coming will be like in Noah's day- people going about their business unsuspecting of what is to come.  Advent provides us with the opportunity to refocus our attention, to jolt ourselves out of our sleepy ways and stand ready. We are preparing of course during Advent for the birth of Christ at Christmas, but Advent too is also a reminder of the final second coming of Christ.

At the beginning of this liturgical year, let us spend some reflection time asking God to show us how we need to grow. Let us stay awake to God's advice and be committed throughout this year to spiritually grow in this/these area/s of our lives.  

Let us be swept away with a passion and enthusiasm for our Catholic faith

and stay awake to God throughout this coming year,

so that we may be ready when He calls us.

The Jesse Tree Series: the story of the Jesse Tree Part 1.

The Jesse Tree Series: 

The story of the Jesse Tree Part 1.

The Jesse Tree is named from Isaiah 11:1 

A shoot will spring forth from the stump of Jesse

and a branch out of his sons’.

The Jesse Tree is a vehicle to tell the Story of God in the Old Testament, and to connect the Advent Season with the faithfulness of across around 4.000 years of history.  The branch is the biblical sign of newness out of discouragement, which became a way to talk about the expect Messiah (e.g. Jeremiah 23:5). It is therefore an appropriate symbol of Jesus the Christ, who is the revelation of the grace and faithfulness of God.

The Israelites through the descendants of Abraham were chosen by God to be a light to the nations.  When they were imprisoned by the Egyptians, they cried out to God for deliverance from their oppression.  And God responded: 

'I have seen the misery of my people in Egypt, and I have heard their cry... I have come to deliver them from the Egyptians, and to bring them to a good Land”. (Exodus 3:7-8).  

And so He entered history in a marvellous way to deliver them and bring them into a place where they could worship God and serve Him in peace and joy instead of serving Pharaoh in hard service.  God promised to be with them and to be their God, and they would be His people.

But as they settled into the land that God had given them, “they forgot God, their Deliverer, who had done great thing in Egypt” (psalm 106:21).  As they grew secure in the land, they began to believer that 

“ my power and the strength of my own hand have gotten me these things”.(Deut 8:17).  

Even though God had raised up godly leaders like David, later kings and religious leaders serve their own interests, and the people began to worship the false gods of the land.  They even gave offering to the idol ba’al, supposedly the god of rain and fertility of the land thanking him for the prosperity they enjoyed.


But God grieved because ‘she did not know that it was I who gave her the grain, the wine, and the oil, and who lavished upon her silver and gold that they used for ba’al (Hosea 2:8).  God had ‘planted them as choice vine from the purest stock” (Jeremiah 2:21) and had expected them to grow and flourish and carry out His purpose in the world.  But they had degenerated into a wild bush with worthless fruit.


Because they had forgotten God, they also forgot the call of God to ‘do justice, lovey mercy and walk humbly with your God” (Mic 6:8).  God sent prophets to warn them of the consequences of failing to be His people.  The prophet Amos warned them ‘seek me and live”.(Amos 5:4).  Through Jeremiah, God promised them that if they would turn from their wicked ways He would bless them and be with them in the land (7:5-7).  But God also said” Take heed, O Jerusalem, or I shall turn from you in disgust, and make you a desolation” (6:8)

Some of the people longed for new leaders, a new ‘anointed ‘(Heb meshiach; Eng: messiah) shepherd king like David who would help them to become what God had called them to be.  But most of the people would not listen.  They continued to worship the idols of ba’al.  They continued to cheat the poor, steal from each other, neglect the needy, and do all manner of evil.

So, God let them go their own way and suffer the consequences of their choices.  The Babylonian armies came and destroyed the temple, the city of Jerusalem, the land, and took the people into slavery.  The choice planting of God that had such promise, that God had tended so carefully and encouraged to grow, was cut down and became a mere stump (Isaiah 5:1-10).

Stay tuned for Part 2 (post of 2nd Sunday of Advent) of this hope filled story where God does not give up on His people. 

SCRIPTURE ASSOCIATED WITH THE JESSE TREE.
 As  we gather to read the scripture and prepare our Jesse tree, let us remember Jesse of Bethlehem. He was the father of David who became King.   On this first Sunday of Advent, let us gather our family together, read the first part of the story and spend the afternoon preparing our Jesse tree and symbol cut outs for this coming week.

There are two scripture passages which are relevant to the Jesse Tree:

·                     1 Samuel 16:1-13:

Samuel is sent to Bethlehem and the Lord orders him to anoint the boy David. This son of Jesse, of the tribe of Judah is to be the heir of the promise made to the patriarchs.  The spirit of the Lord descended and rested on David who became the type of the King Messiah. 

·                     Isaiah 11:1-10:

In this chapter Isaiah foretells the type of kingship of the Messiah.  The two important verses of this chapter are verses 1 and 6 respectively, since from this branch of the Jesse tree shall grow a kingdom of peace.
"There shall come forth a shoot from the stump of Jesse, and a branch shall grow out of his roots"

 
'The wolf shall dwell with the lamb, and the leopard shall lie down with the kid, and the calf and the lion and the fatling together, and a little child shall lead them. 

 SYMBOL 1: THE JESSE TREE What does the symbol mean?

The Jesse tree is a symbol of the stump of Jesus.  Jesus was a direct descendant of Jesse showing how this root grew to become a great sign for the nations.  The Jesse Tree continues to grow in the world through the Church. 

The first symbol is the tree itself which can be of several types.  A small artificial tree works fine, as does a tree branch that is anchored in a bucket or a large can of sand or gravel. The tree branch looks particularly attractive if painted white and sprinkled with silver glitter while the paint is still wet.

Another possibility is a large drawing of a tree on cardboard or poster board that can be hung on the wall.