SIA Second Thursday of Advent

Today's Advent theme for the Second Thursday of Advent to ponder is:

You shall rejoice in the Lord, and glory in the Holy One of Israel.

We take a moment this 12th day of Advent to reflect with joy on the Immaculate Conception of the Virgin Mary, which we celebrate this day. Today we celebrate Mary our mother, conceived without sin.

So how might we create a Spirituality in Action (SIA) for today from this theme?

My suggestions are as follows:

• Imagine meeting God when we reach Heaven. Start living that joy today.
• Pray for the gift of a pure heart, and for her gentle guidance.
• Pray for all expectant mothers, and ask God to guide them through their pregnancies.
• Ask the Holy Spirit to guide us as we make a good examination of conscience.
• Participate in the sacrament of Reconciliation/Penance today/this advent.
• Think of our tendency to sin- choose one area and  make the effort not to sin in this area of our lives today. At the end of the day, rejoice in the Lord for the help He has given us.

Mary was conceived without original sin because she was to be the mother of God.  Although we are born with original sin and a tendency to sin, we can, through daily effort try not to sin.  Let us endeavour to be free from sin today.