Congratulations
A few weekends ago we were all delighted to share in Gavin's 1st Holy Communion at our Sunday morning Mass.
Gavin had completed all his Holy Communion guidance lessons before moving to our parish and so we were able to celebrate his special day all together in November.Please remember Gavin and all the children who are just starting the new Communion programme in your prayers.
Amen.
The Joint Advent Service took place at Yate on the 7th of December. We started with the John the Baptist in the 'wilderness' (St. Paul's School) and then processed with candles into the lighted Church.
A good celebration of Advent followed by refreshments.
Ukrainian Christmas
Ukrainian community invites everyone to join Ukrainian Christmas church service and Vertep performance with carolling on 17th December in St Augustine church at 3.30pm.
Вертеп - це тепло, емоції, жарти та Різдвяний настрій.
17 грудня в церкві St Augustine’s, Downend молодіжна спільнота Gloucester запрошує всіх бажаючих взяти участь в перегляді Різдвяного українського вертепу і колядок.
Reflections for the Third Sunday in Advent Year B ~ Gaudete Sunday ~ from Deacon Vincent.
1st Reading from the prophet Isaiah 61: 1-2, 10-11.
The first two verses of this text were used by Luke for the basis of Jesus’ mission statement during his very brief sermon at Nazareth. “The Spirit of the Lord is upon me.” It is the third Isaiah’s vision of the Anointed one, filled with the Holy Spirit. Christians immediately associated this vision with Jesus, as we see clearly illustrated by Luke’s Gospel. The latter part of the text is Jerusalem’s song of praise and Isaiah beautifully blends the vision of the bride and groom, men and women within the illustration of pure joy, and again the pure joy of the earth growing her flowers and the garden its’ seeds. He has embraced the whole of creation in this song of praise. The third Isaiah is a master of poetic vision.
Psalm, taken from Luke’s Gospel 1: 46-50, 53-54.
This is Mary’s song, whilst still pregnant, on her visit to Elizabeth to share their joy at the marvels of God’s creative work in both. The link of John the Baptist and Jesus whilst both in the womb, is an appropriate meditation for us at Advent, filled with Joy.
2nd Reading from the first letter of St. Paul to the Thessalonians 5: 16-24.
This text is taken from the very earliest surviving New Testament document, and it is interesting for us to note the already important themes for Paul’s Ministry. Good order, compassion and respect for all and Joy (a word constantly on the lips of Paul). Then there is prayer and gratitude for our salvation and over all these the “Spirit”. Paul is filled with the Spirit, which allows him to overflow with joy even in difficult situations.
The Holy Gospel according to John 1: 6-8, 19-28.
We now witness the similar way that John’s Gospel introduces Jesus through John the Baptist. Here John clearly states that The Baptist is only a witness to the Light; that Light being Jesus. The priests and Levites were sent by the authorities to The Baptist to establish by what authority he comes to be preaching repentance and baptising people to wash their sins away. John the Baptist tells them that he is not the “Christ”, he is the “voice that cries in the wilderness: Make a straight way for the Lord.” for the Christ. John’ Gospel uses the same quote from Isaiah, as Mark to describe John’s mission. John’s Gospel again uses the same words as Mark, when John the Baptist says about not being worthy to undo the sandals of the one who is to come after him, but has a subtle addition, to inform them that the Christ stands among them, unseen at this moment. John’s Gospel even gives the location where this conversation occurs. All four Gospels attest to the importance of John the Baptist in the launching of Jesus’ mission to the world.
May we “Joyously” follow the Gospel life, authentically, in preparation for Jesus’ Second Coming.
Deacon Vincent.
1st Reading from the prophet Isaiah 61: 1-2, 10-11.
The first two verses of this text were used by Luke for the basis of Jesus’ mission statement during his very brief sermon at Nazareth. “The Spirit of the Lord is upon me.” It is the third Isaiah’s vision of the Anointed one, filled with the Holy Spirit. Christians immediately associated this vision with Jesus, as we see clearly illustrated by Luke’s Gospel. The latter part of the text is Jerusalem’s song of praise and Isaiah beautifully blends the vision of the bride and groom, men and women within the illustration of pure joy, and again the pure joy of the earth growing her flowers and the garden its’ seeds. He has embraced the whole of creation in this song of praise. The third Isaiah is a master of poetic vision.
Psalm, taken from Luke’s Gospel 1: 46-50, 53-54.
This is Mary’s song, whilst still pregnant, on her visit to Elizabeth to share their joy at the marvels of God’s creative work in both. The link of John the Baptist and Jesus whilst both in the womb, is an appropriate meditation for us at Advent, filled with Joy.
2nd Reading from the first letter of St. Paul to the Thessalonians 5: 16-24.
This text is taken from the very earliest surviving New Testament document, and it is interesting for us to note the already important themes for Paul’s Ministry. Good order, compassion and respect for all and Joy (a word constantly on the lips of Paul). Then there is prayer and gratitude for our salvation and over all these the “Spirit”. Paul is filled with the Spirit, which allows him to overflow with joy even in difficult situations.
The Holy Gospel according to John 1: 6-8, 19-28.
We now witness the similar way that John’s Gospel introduces Jesus through John the Baptist. Here John clearly states that The Baptist is only a witness to the Light; that Light being Jesus. The priests and Levites were sent by the authorities to The Baptist to establish by what authority he comes to be preaching repentance and baptising people to wash their sins away. John the Baptist tells them that he is not the “Christ”, he is the “voice that cries in the wilderness: Make a straight way for the Lord.” for the Christ. John’ Gospel uses the same quote from Isaiah, as Mark to describe John’s mission. John’s Gospel again uses the same words as Mark, when John the Baptist says about not being worthy to undo the sandals of the one who is to come after him, but has a subtle addition, to inform them that the Christ stands among them, unseen at this moment. John’s Gospel even gives the location where this conversation occurs. All four Gospels attest to the importance of John the Baptist in the launching of Jesus’ mission to the world.
May we “Joyously” follow the Gospel life, authentically, in preparation for Jesus’ Second Coming.
Deacon Vincent.
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