16 Dec
 Sat		 Sat 2nd Week of Advent
Sir. 48:1-4, 9-11
Ps. 80:1-2, 14-15, 17-18
Mt. 17:10-13
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     Elijah demonstrated the flaming power of God. His words burned and his lifestyle scared people. Because of his fiery personality, Elijah was expected to return before the 'day of the Lord' - that time when God would rescue His people forever.

    In the Gospel, Jesus reminds His disciples that Elijah had indeed 'returned' in the person of John the Baptist but was unrecognised. Jesus then told them that He and His disciples would have to suffer. This disconcerted them but they had the 'mountain experience' (Transfiguration) to strengthen their faith.

    Many of us may have experienced such a 'mountain experience' whereby we have come very close to God, but thereafter we become distanced from God after returning from the 'mountain'. Therefore it is important for us to remember that we should hold the 'mountain experience' (and NOT the 'mountain') in our heart everyday of our lives to strengthen our faith and allow God to enter into our lives. So, during this Advent let us prepare a way in our hearts and lives for the coming of our Lord.


     O Lord, transform our hearts to enable us to receive You into our lives. Amen.
DAILY OFFERING
Eternal Father, I offer You everything I do this day; my thoughts, words, joys and sufferings. Grant that, vivified by the Holy Spirit and united to the Sacred Heart of Jesus and the Immaculate Heart of Mary, my life this day may be of service to You and to others. I also pray that all those preparing for marriage discover in Sacrament the source of Christ's grace for living a fithful and fruitful love. Amen.

PRAYING WITH THE CHURCH
INTENTION
That the celebration of the Jubilee may become the source of a new commitment in men and women of good will to protect and promote human life.
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P R A Y I N G    W I T H    T H E    C H U R C H    

INTENTION : That the celebration of the Jubilee may become the source of a new commitment in men and women of good will to protect and promote human life.

In the threshold of the year 2001, it is our duty to renew our commitment to safeguarding the dignity of the poor and marginalised and to recognise in a practical way the rights of those who have no rights. This is the spirit of the new millennium which presupposes the following: The basic right to life which is inviolable which involves a positive choice for life. The development of a culture of this kind embraces all the circumstances of life and ensures the promotion of human dignity in every situation.

Recent developments in the field of genetic engineering present a profoundly disquieting challenge. In order that scientific research in this area may be at the service of the person, it must be accompanied at every stage by careful ethical reflection, which will bring about adequate legal norms safeguarding the integrity of human life. Life can never be downgraded to the level of a thing.

To choose life involves rejecting every form of violence. In every circumstance, the right to life must be promoted and safeguarded with appropriate legal and political guarantees. Let us raise our voices on their behalf.



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