First Sunday of Advent

"Expectation - anxious, collective and operative expectaion of an end of the world, that is to say, of an issue for the world - that is the supreme Christian function and the most distinctive characteristic of our religion.

Historically speaking, that expectation has never ceased to guide the progress of our faith like a torch ... We persist in saying that we keep vigil in expectation of the Master. But in reality we should have to admit, if we are sincere, that we no longer expect anything. The flame must be revived at all costs. At all costs we must renew in ourselves the desire and the hope for the great coming. But where are we to look for the source of this rejuvenation? From the perception of a more intimate connection between the victory of Christ and the outcome of the work which our human effort here below is seeking to construct."

Pierre Teilhard de Chardin

Father in heaven,
our hearts desire the warmth of your love
and our minds are searching for the light of your Word.
Increase our longing for Christ our Saviour
and give us the strength to grow in love,
that the dawn of his coming
may find us rejoicing in his presence
and welcoming the light of his truth.

We ask this in the name of Jesus the Lord. Amen.

Opening Prayer - First Sunday of Advent
The Roman Missal