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Reflecting on the way in which the world encountered the light of the Messiah, St John's Gospel [3:20] remarks how sinners hate the light because they are afraid that the light will expose their sinful actions. That, of course, is part of the tragedy of sin, to make one afraid of God whereas God's only purpose in coming to us is to bring us peace and eternal life, as the Entrance Antiphon today reminds us.
St John goes on to tell us that, in contrast to sinners, the person who lives by the truth will come into the light. We are able to live by the truth and come into the light because Jesus first came to us to be the light of the world, to bring the redeeming truth of the Trinity and light for our eyes that have been blinded by sin. The theme of light dominates many of our readings and prayers during Advent. Let us pray during these weeks of preparation, that the truth of Jesus may enlighten us in joy and so make our Christmas holy and peaceful, filled with the joy which the Holy Spirit brings us.
Lord Jesus, come with Your light and Your truth to bring us peace and justice in this world and eternal life and happiness in the resurrection.
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DAILY OFFERING
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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.
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PRAYING WITH THE CHURCH
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INTENTION
That, faced by the growing expansion of the culture of violence and death, the Church may courageously promote the culture of life through all her apostolic and missionary activities.
Elaboration
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