Advent and remembrance

I found this reflection for Advent on The Sisters of Carmel website, suggesting that the season of expectant waiting is paradoxically also a season of remembrance. ' As we approach the end of the liturgical year, and the calendar year, too, we are once more faced with the consideration of the end of time – and most people sense a personal realization of it, in a way, because we all must admit how swiftly this year has passed.  These days of a waning November always give a sense of looking back and reflecting.  One’s reflections may be mixed with gratitude and warm remembrance, but perhaps also some regret, a little weariness, and a wondering for the future. How greatly the life of the soul is enriched when reflections turn to prayer, remembrance to gratitude, regret to penitent loving sorrow, and one’s weary path and disquiet to steadfast hope in the God and Father Who loves us.  This is the life of trustful abandonment and of attentive watchfulness to Our Lord’s presence in the simple events of daily life.  Manifest and constant are the signs of His work in our souls each day.’ 

Intercessions:

Cancer: Brian Davis, Bernard (and wife Angela caring for him), Jacqui, Theresa K, Fr Jon B, Catherine, Richard Parker, Roy Seymour

Siena, Elara – sick children

David OCDS – housebound

Sophia – blind infant

Grace – troubling ailments, job difficulties, family (deceased mother and health of father)

Lucia – Overwhelmed by weariness

Mark – brain infection

Defence of the unborn and the elderly

RIP Martin Gilham, Sue Burton, Wojtek, Joy Smith OCDS