Immaculata University Advent Reflection Booklet

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December 18, 2011Fourth Sunday of Advent“I am the Lord’s servant,” said Mary; “may it happen to meas you have said.” Luke 1:38Today we hear and reflect on the Annunciation of Mary. A simplegirl, without credentials and without power, is transformed byGod’s grace to participate in the Christ-event, which will change allof history. Mary’s response, “I am the (maid) servant of the Lord”is often misinterpreted as encouraging passivity. Yet, when welook through the Old Testament, the word servant describes significantfigures in salvation history: Moses, David, and Isaiah. Theyouthful maiden, Mary, stands like Moses, in awe of God. Like theprophets, she accepts God’s commission to live out her faith in theservice of God’s Word. Down through the ages, Mary has been amodel of faith for all believers. She is preeminent among manymen and women who, overshadowed by God’s Spirit, also hear thecall. Like her, they stand in awe of God, and offer their lives, liveswithout credentials, in the service of God’s Word. In doing so,with Mary, they help to bring forth the fulfillment of God’s plan ofsalvation.Come, Lord Jesus, save Your people. Fill our Advent waiting space with thesense of Your presence and the spirit of Mary’s Annunciation. Our world andeach of our hearts need Your healing touch. Help us to support and challengeone another to prepare Your way in our lives and in the world around us.Meet us in the quiet as we look for Your coming. Meet us in the people andcircumstances of our lives. Come, Lord Jesus, come! Amen.Sister Cathy Nally, IHMExecutive Director of Mission and Ministry
The angel said to Zechariah, “Zechariah, do not be afraid, for yourprayer has been heard. Your wife Elizabeth is to bear you a son andyou shall name him John. He will be your joy and delight andmany will rejoice at his birth, for he will be great in the sight of theLord; he must drink no wine, no strong drink; even from his mother'swomb he will be filled with the Holy Spirit, and he will bringback many of the Israelites to the Lord their God. With the spiritand power of Elijah, he will go before him to reconcile fathers totheir children and the disobedient to the good sense of the upright,preparing for the Lord a people fit for him.” Lk 1:13-17Luke began Jesus’ story with the prediction of the birth of His cousin,John the Baptist. According to Luke, an angel of God came down to achildless priest Zechariah, and predicted that his soon to be born sonwould be in God’s favor. The angel told Zechariah that this would bringhim and his wife great joy since they have not been blessed with childrenbefore; and many others also would rejoice at his birth. The angel proclaimedthat John would be filled with the Holy Spirit from the momentof conception. Then later in his life he would turn many children of Israel’shearts to God. The angel also said John would go before the peoplewith the spirit and power of Elijah, to help prepare them for the Lord.This story gives us many lessons that are important to remember in theseason of Advent. It reminds us that God answers prayers even though itmight not be in the way we expect, thus we should never give up hopebecause nothing is too hard for God. Faith in this fact, during many differentdifficulties, pleases God. If we remember those things, we in turnwill be in blessed.Loving God, by Your grace John the Baptist was born, and sent to prepare the way ofYour Son, our Savior. Help us to follow His teaching and holy life, that we may followHis example and have courage to speak Your truth. In this season of Advent,help us remember that You are most important in our lives. Amen.Heather RasnakeClass of 2013December 19, 2011Fourth Monday of Advent
Page 6: November 30, 2011First Wednesday of
Page 10 and 11: December 4, 2011Second Sunday of Ad
Page 12 and 13: Jesus said to his disciples: "What
Page 14 and 15: And Mary said, “Behold, I am the
Page 16 and 17: December 10, 2011Second Saturday of
Page 18 and 19: December 12, 2011Feast of Our lady
Page 20 and 21: “I am the Lord, there is no other
Page 22 and 23: December 16, 2011Third Friday of Ad
Page 26: December 20, 2011Fourth Tuesday of
Page 30 and 31: December 24Fourth Saturday of Adven
Page 32: Office of Mission and Ministry&Depa

Immaculata University Advent Reflection Booklet

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