Prayer of the Week, December 1, 2014
From the Latin word for “beginning,” the season of Advent begins a new liturgical year
for Roman Catholics. This preparatory time for the celebration of Christmas traditionally
involves the lighting of 4 candles commemorating the traditional 4 millennia between the Fall
of Adam and Eve and the mystery of the Incarnation, which we celebrate at Christmas. We take
time to recall the Scriptural events that led to the coming of the Savior in history, but we also
remember his promise that He will come again in glory. As daylight fades to its shortest point
and the temperature dips below freezing, we recall our need for God and the Savior who has
come to save us: The Light of the World.
This week in particular, we are called to be watchful and to invite the Lord to walk with
us on our journey of life. As we extend this invitation to the Lord, we had better be open to
some changes in our lives, for they who walk with the Lord are transformed by His presence,
His companionship, His conversation, and his work in our lives. Are we open to this challenge?
If we are, the Lord will make us the best we can be and the effect will help transform the world
around us with His marvelous light.
O God, whose Son is the Light of the World, send your Son to walk with us through the
challenges we face, the joys we experience, the journey of our lives. May this light always guide,
guard and transform us so that we may not stumble in our ignorance and sin, but strive to
promote reconciliation and peace in the lives of those with whom we live and work. Amen!