The 3rd Sunday of Advent

16th December 2007

CALENDAR

Friday: St Peter Canisius

Gospel Reflection - Great Expectations

John the Baptist had been praying for a Messiah, but Jesus wasn't what he had expected. Perhaps he had been expecting a fire-and-brimstone leader who would arrive in the manner of a king or a warrior with all the power and status to conquer the oppressor. Instead, the Messiah turned out to be a man from humble origins whose mission was simply to heal and teach God's love. In today's gospel we see an imprisoned John send a message to Jesus. "Are you the one who is to come, or should we look for another?" Ever the psychologist Jesus sends a 'work it out yourself' kind of answer. Jesus asks John to look at the evidence. "...The blind regain their sight, the lame walk, lepers are cleansed, the deaf hear, the dead are raised, the poor have the good news proclaimed."

That even John had a moment of doubt in Jesus is very comforting for the rest of us. The message seems to be that it's okay to have doubt, what's important is how we respond to that doubt. A good starting point is to examine how our doubts have arisen in the first place. John's doubts spring from his expectations. Based on his belief that Rome was the enemy, perhaps John thought that the Messiah would come and 'sort the Romans out'. Of course 'sorting the Romans out' wasn't what Jesus was about at all, this would have been an extremely myopic mission for the Son of God.

So what do we think God is about? Are we guilty of myopic expectation? Do we have lapses in faith when we pray hard, only to be disappointed when God fails to cure an ailing grandparent; fails to get us our dream job; fails to make the partner of our dreams appear on the doorstep? Or do we have greater expectations? Do we believe that God is there to change us; guide us through our daily choices; prepare us for his Kingdom?

Advent Reconciliation

The Sacrament of Confession is available in this parish every weekend and by request.

In the coming week: (Mon 17th - Fri 21st) Tuesday - there will be a Penitential Service at St. Margaret's, E. Twickenham at 8.00pm.

Thursday - Confessions through the day up to 8.00pm is scheduled for St. Francis de Sales.

Here at St Theodore's the sacrament may be received at a penance service after mass on Wednesday Evening

Gaudete Sunday

The Advent Wreath has four candles: three purple and one pink.

The three purple candles represent the generally penitential character of the Advent season. The pink of the third candle indicates that the Third Sunday of Advent is regarded as a less solemn Sunday, on which we shout for joy at the imminent coming of the Saviour. The Introit for the Mass for this Sunday begins 'Rejoice in the Lord always'. In Latin, this is 'Gaudete in Domino semper', from which this Sunday is traditionally called Gaudete Sunday.

TIMES OF MASSES & SERVICES
OF CHRISTMASTIDE

The page attached to the newsletter gives the times of all services.

or click here for more details

A CHRISTMAS NATIVITY

This year's presentation by the children will be given in the Church after Evening Mass this evening (Dec.16th) at approximately 6.05pm. Everyone very welcome!!

CHRISTMAS POST BOX!!!

Please see the box in the porch for posting your Christmas Cards to fellow parishioners at St. Theodore's. (Please put you're your Christian name and Surname on the envelopes). The suggested price per card is 10p, which should be put in the Post Box and the funds raised will be put towards out Christmas Charities Collection.

The last date for posting will be next Friday (21st Dec.) at 10.00am with cards ready for collection after mass next Sunday