In a world that’s often filled with conflict and turmoil, we’re called to be peacemakers. This doesn’t mean simply avoiding arguments, but actively working towards reconciliation and understanding. In the season of Advent, we pray for peace in the world. Jesus is the Prince of Peace, and he calls us to follow his example and to be peacemakers too.
We are now in the season of Advent – a time of preparation for the coming of Jesus Christ. This week, during our week of peace there will be the opportunity to receive the Sacrament of Reconciliation for those students who have already made their first confession. You should have received your timings if you’ve already signed up if not check with Tim or Maria today!
Day 1 – Head
On the first day of our prayer we will be reflecting on The Word of God to help us to understand our theme – Peace
We begin our prayer this morning with the Sign of the Cross. In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, Amen.
Our scripture this week comes from the prophet Isaiah – we hear a lot from the prophets during the season of Advent as they were the ones who predicted the coming of Christ. One of the titles of Jesus is ‘Prince of Peace’ and this week we hear about God’s perfect peace in our scripture.
A reading from the prophet Isaiah
Open the gates,
that the righteous nation that keeps faith may enter in.
You keep him in perfect peace
whose mind is stayed on you,
because he trusts in you.
Trust in the Lord for ever,
for the Lord God is an everlasting rock.
For he has humbled
the inhabitants of the height,
the lofty city.
He lays it low, lays it low to the ground,
casts it to the dust.
The Word of the Lord.
Thanks be to God
We are called to be peacemakers in the world. Have a think about that as you listen to this reflection:
Where are you called to bring peace – if you have time discuss with each other what you think.
Lord, help us to be peacemakers. Amen
In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, Amen.
Day 2 – Heart
On the second day of the week we focus on our hearts. How can the scripture that we looked at yesterday impact our lives, and the lives of others? What themes can we draw from the scripture?
We begin our prayer with the Sign of the Cross. In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, Amen.
In this week’s scripture we are reminded that God’s peace is a perfect peace and that we all need to find it in our lives.
So often the season of Advent can be anything but peaceful – noisy, chaotic, and so busy that we don’t think to stop and focus on what’s important.
We want you to take a few moments to feel peaceful this morning.
Close your eyes and get comfortable if you want to. Try and find a moment of stillness.
If you want to, play this song and just spend some time with your thoughts and prayers, then try to focus on where in your life you need a bit more peace and offer that up to God this morning.
If you want to share any of your ideas you can add them to the comments box below.
Lord, we ask for the peace of Christ to come to all of us the Christmas.
We end our prayer with the Sign of the Cross. In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen
Day 3 – Hands
On the final day of the week we try to put into action the things we have learnt and reflected on previously in the week, hence the hands link!
We begin our prayer with the Sign of the Cross. In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, Amen.
During this week of peace, think about where you have found moments of stillness. Have you had to be a peacemaker this week?
The Sign of Peace
This simple act has been part of the celebration of Mass for hundreds of years.
It’s a simple gesture but it actually symbolises something really important.
It’s not just about saying “Peace be with you” and shaking someones hand it’s about actually recognising the presence of Christ, and therefore the dignity, of the other person.
This morning, we’d like you to share the sign of peace with each other, and if you can work out a way so that everyone gets to shake everyone else’s hands. You might want to think like the start of a football game where everyone lines up and shakes everyone’s hand. Or, you might just want a free for all and to see if everyone can share peace with everyone else in the class!
When you’ve shared the sign of peace, have talk about how it made you feel and the effect it’s had on you as a form.
Lord, we pray that we can see you in each other and dignify each other through the peace that we share.
We end our prayer with the Sign of the Cross. In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, Amen.
One of the members in our form said that they are a peacemaker and try to stop fights, arguments. One of the members in our form said they love people as themselves and try to quell arguments instead of stirring them up.
7EHA believes that as long as there is peace in the world we are filling Gods expectations
Where are you called to bring peace
Church
Looking after nature
Yourself
School
Home
We should all remain as a whole community and respect for the coming of Christ with peace and joy.
we should all come together and show love for our community and our neighbours.
Stay peaceful