Second Sunday Advent 2024 - Pastoral Letter (12/08)

Traditionally, we associate this Sunday, in the liturgical calendar, with peace. That call for peace is reflected in the lighting of the second Advent candle -

"Peace Candle Prayer

God of peace, during this Advent season, keep us from getting caught up in the busyness and chaos of the world around us. Help us to slow down, so that we may find rest in the Prince of Peace, your son, Jesus Christ. As we prepare for his coming, make us instruments of your peace in our homes, in our schools, in our work and in our world. Amen"

(From Prince of Peace Parish, ME @ https://princeofpeace.me/.../2nd-week-of-advent-2024....)

In the Gospel for today, John the Baptist calls for a baptism of repentance, which many times is associated with the "fire and brimstone" version of Scripture (particularly the Old Testament). But, while a valid interpretation of it, for some, that view misses the essence of the message (at least those of us in the independent movement) - namely, "sin" is separation from our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Baptism is a sacrament that brings us back into unity with Him. That, my friends, is the essence of peace.

"John went throughout the whole region of the Jordan,

proclaiming a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins,

as it is written in the book of the words of the prophet Isaiah:

'A voice of one crying out in the desert:

Prepare the way of the Lord, make straight his paths.

Every valley shall be filled and every mountain and hill shall be made low. The winding roads shall be made straight, and the rough ways made smooth, and all flesh shall see the salvation of God.'"

Luke 3:1-6

So, as Advent proceeds, and we prepare for the arrival of the Messiah, focus on reuniting with your (our) Lord through meditation, prayer, reflection, and - yes - reform your actions, intentions, and thoughts along the lines of peace.

May the peace of our Lord, Jesus Christ, come upon you, your family, friends, and all of us, this Christmas season. May it continue with you the coming months and years. Amen.

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LSCC (and its mission parishes and Benedictines of the Living Spirit)

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