Gospel Reflection: "The PEACE of the Lord be with you always"

 "The PEACE of the Lord be with you always" 

Last week we lit the first candle of Advent a candle of Hope.  Fr Steve reminded us of words we hear in the Mass “As we wait in joyful HOPE for the coming of our saviour Jesus Christ"  Today we light the second candle, a candle of peace.  Again a link with our Mass, after the Our Father, we greet each other with a sign of peace, it is a time when we come together. Before we are invited to share a sign of God's peace, the priest says: 

"The PEACE of the Lord be with you always" And we reply: And with your spirit. 

We are then invited to offer each other the sign of peace. 

As Advent is a time of preparation, we might take time to think about whose peace we share, how we can bring peace in our relationships and pray for peace throughout the world.  ...

Today we listen to the opening words of the Gospel according to Mark, 'The beginning of the Gospel (Good News) of Jesus Christ … we hear how John the Baptist called out in the wilderness, Prepare a way for the Lord.  With all the hustle and bustle of life, there can be many pressures not to listen to that voice calling us to prepare and to share God's peace in our world.  AMH