Luke leads the way
As we continue in Advent, the beginning of our new liturgical year, we meet John the Baptist’s mother, Elizabeth and witness the encounter between these two mothers to be.
The Gospel of Luke continues to draw us on our journey towards the Nativity, the feast of the birth of Jesus.
Reflection on the Gospel for this Fourth Sunday of Advent
Even in its resolutely secular form, the Christmas celebration has positive sides to it. People do try very hard to get together with close family and friends. It might help to reflect in advance on this seasonal intensity of encounter. What do I hope for? What do I bring? How can I/we be so that we are not simply in the same physical space but truly meet each other and are the better for it? There should be some leap of joy, so that at the end of the festivities, we are glad we made the effort.
For the weekly reflections by Kieran O’Mahony and John Byrne on the sripture for this weekend, see below.
More Resources for the Journey
There are a wide variety of resources available for the journey. Here I will offer and update each week a set that I find helpful in different ways.
The Laudato Si’ Movement is offering an eco-reflection linked to the Gospel for each Sunday as a way of encouraging us to live this liturgical season.
Pray As You Go in collaboration with Sacred Space are offering a retreat entitled ‘Stepping Beyond’. As we begin to look at how we live with and move out of the COVID days, we are called to step into the fullness of life and step beyond our isolated worlds. The theme of the retreat is exactly that – Stepping Beyond – and is inspired by Pope Francis’ Encyclical Letter Fratelli Tutti, on fraternity and social friendship.
If accessing this on a computer or tablet the link may not work. If not, simply send a WhartsApp message to +353857162152
A retreat of a Daily Inspiration for Advent arriving by WhatsApp.
In order to take part simply click on the link to join the WhatsApp group.
Note there are a few terms and conditions you accept by joining the group:
- Group members are blocked from posting messages Group member details; name, profile picture and phone numbers are visible to all in the group.
- Group members are not permitted to use or share any numbers with anyone outside the group.
- Group members are not permitted to use the numbers from this group in order to contact or distribute details of any person in the group.
- Group members can leave the WhatsApp group at any time by using the Exit Group option or by contacting the admin directly.
Subscription is €20 per household (couple, family or community).
Jessie Rogers, Sean Goan and Kieran O’Mahony are coming together again to offer a new TSS (Tarsus Scripture School) programme this advent.
The course includes six presentations (two from each speaker) that you can watch in your own time with an opportunity to engage /ask questions directly by email plus a Discussion Online Webinar on Wed 08 Dec with all 3 speakers plus an Online Meditation event on Wed 15 Dec 7:30pm.
The passcode is Advent
Anam Ashram in Dublin, Ireland are offering morning meditation sessions each Monday through to Thursday at 7.30am (G.M.T.) Everyone is welcome. If you can only join on certain mornings, that is absolutely fine.
Click on the link to join and use the passcode Advent. Do also email Jane directly so that she can add you to the mailing list to give you copies of resources used etc., and to inform you of any changes over the period.
Fourth Sunday of Advent
Contextual notes and pointers for prayer
Fr Kieran O’Mahony and Fr. John Byrne offer a set of notes to aid in your reflection on the Scripture of this weekend. Select it here.
Video Presentation
Here Fr. Kieran O’Mahony breaks open the Gospel of this weekend through a video presentation.
Third Sunday of Advent
Contextual notes and pointers for prayer
Fr Kieran O’Mahony and Fr. John Byrne offer a set of notes to aid in your reflection on the Scripture of this weekend. Select it here.
Video Presentation
Here Fr. Kieran O’Mahony breaks open the Gospel of this weekend through a video presentation.
Second Sunday of Advent
Contextual notes and pointers for prayer
Fr Kieran O’Mahony and Fr. John Byrne offer a set of notes to aid in your reflection on the Scripture of this weekend. Select it here.
Video Presentation
Here Fr. Kieran O’Mahony breaks open the Gospel of this weekend through a video presentation.
First Sunday of Advent
Contextual notes and pointers for prayer
Fr Kieran O’Mahony and Fr. John Byrne offer a set of notes to aid in your reflection on the Scripture of this weekend. Select it here.
Video Presentation
Here Fr. Kieran O’Mahony breaks open the Gospel of this weekend through a video presentation.
Styles of Meditation and Contemplation that may be of help in engaging with Scripture.
Breaking Open the Word in Prayer 