Sunday 19th December 2010

Welcome everyone                                                                                                                         

The busy-ness of the commercial side of the Advent Season distracts us from the real meaning of Advent – to reflect and be transformed by the amazing gift of God – His Son with us – Emmanuel!

Last Sunday we fed over 300 homeless people at a sit-down meal.  A Wonderful celebration, but a mere moment in their lives.  We have just ended the 16 days of activism:  trauma, hardship as well as death and injury still made headlines.  Many will not realize their God-given potential in life.  For many vulnerable people nothing seems to change. Joseph, Mary and Jesus were also vulnerable.  Yet this Jesus is the Son of God, who went on to engage with humankind and transform the lives of women, men and children. Joseph was vulnerable – homeless with an unmarried partner and baby.  He responded in “silent activism”.  He stood by Mary, he did not reject her (emotional abuse) harm her (physical abuse) or force himself on her (sexual abuse).  He helped her to be the mother of the Messiah against all the “customs and culture arguments,” that we so heartily defend.  Activism can also be making a stand from a position of vulnerability.

As we try to focus on the true meaning of advent, pray this prayer even if you yourself feel vulnerable. May God’s strength and grace be sufficient to help us bring peace and justice into our world.

The Grail Prayer:

Lord Jesus, I give you my hands to do your work.

I give you my feet to go your way.

I give you my eyes to see as you do.

I give you my tongue to speak your words.

I give you my mind that you may think in me.

I give you my spirit that you may pray in me.

Above all, I give you my heart that you may love in me, your Father and all humankind.

I give you my whole self that you may grow in me so that it is you, Lord Jesus, who live and work and pray in me.

Peace, Gilbert.