First Wednesday in Advent

First Wednesday in Advent - Read Romans 5:1-5

As small children long for Christmas and its gifts, we Advent pilgrims long for the fullness of the Coming of Christ and its gifts of peace, joy and justice. We embrace the afflictions of our lives, confident that they make for endurance, and endurance for tested virtue. We rejoice in our daily Advent afflictions that give rise to the virtues which are the mother hope. As Christ was the Word-made flesh, so hope is faith-made-flesh. May we, during these days of preparation, embrace our afflictions with faith that they give birth to a hope that will not disappoint us.

PRAYER

Grant peace on earth, heavenly Father. Help
people everywhere to beat their weapons into
plowshares and pruning hooks, that there may
be food to share, even as you share these
good gifts with us, through Christ our Lord. Amen