Prayer

Acknowledgement of Country 

We acknowledge and pay respect to the original and ongoing custodians of the land upon which our offices are situated.We commit to actively working alongside First Nations people for healing, reconciliation and justice.

The Catholic education faith community is inclusive and acknowledges that we are all made in the image and likeness of God and we are created in love. People of all faiths, genders, sexualities, abilities and cultures are therefore respected equally in the Sandhurst Catholic community.  

We acknowledge the pain and suffering of all who have been hurt in body, mind and spirit by those who have betrayed the trust placed in them.

May we all stand tall, stand firm, grounded in truth, together as one. 

A Reading from the Gospel of Mark 1:1-8

The beginning of the good news about Jesus the Messiah, the Son of God, as it is written in Isaiah the prophet:

“I will send my messenger ahead of you, who will prepare your way”—“a voice of one calling in the wilderness,‘Prepare the way for the Lord,    make straight paths for him."

And so John the Baptist appeared in the wilderness, preaching a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins.  The whole Judean countryside and all the people of Jerusalem went out to him. Confessing their sins, they were baptized by him in the Jordan River.  

John wore clothing made of camel’s hair, with a leather belt around his waist, and he ate locusts and wild honey. And this was his message: “After me comes the one more powerful than I, the straps of whose sandals I am not worthy to stoop down and untie.  I baptise you with water, but he will baptise you with the Holy Spirit.”

The Gospel of the Lord 

Praise to you, Lord Jesus Christ 

Advent Reflection

Mark 1:1-8 opens with the proclamation of the good news about Jesus Christ, the Son of God. The narrative swiftly introduces John the Baptist, fulfilling the prophecy of Isaiah, as preparing the way for the Messiah. 

John baptises with water, symbolising repentance, but foretells the coming of one who will baptise with the Holy Spirit. This passage underscores the significance of spiritual readiness and repentance in embracing the transformative power of Christ.

It invites reflection on our own spiritual preparation and the ongoing need for repentance in our lives. The call to prepare the way for the Lord challenges us to cultivate hearts receptive to God's grace.

On the second Sunday of Advent, Christians focus on the theme of peace. The liturgical colour purple symbolises anticipation and preparation. Believers light the second Advent candle, often called the "Bethlehem Candle," to signify peace and God's promise fulfilled through the birth of Jesus. It's a time of hopeful reflection and spiritual readiness.

Concluding Prayer

Lord, as we reflect on Mark’s words, may our hearts be prepared to receive You. Grant us the humility to repent, embracing the transformative power of Your Spirit. Help us prepare a way for You in our lives, so that we may walk in Your light and share Your love with others. 

Amen.