Advent reflection for 19 December

In today’s readings we follow the moments when Samson’s mother and John the Baptist’s father hear they are going to become parents.

In both stories the boys are filled with the Holy Spirit from the moment they are born. The Spirit guides them as they grow and achieve wonderful things.

Brian Maeba works at the Jesuit Hakimani Centre in Kenya, supported by CAFOD. He finds hope in training young people in sustainable agriculture, which will help them make a living.

Speaking at Wembley Arena at Flame, an event attended by thousands of Catholic young people, Brian said:

“God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and love. With God’s strength and guidance, you can achieve great things, beyond your wildest dreams.”

For Brian these are not just words, but how he lives his life, as he explains:

“Flame was a spark. Since then, I have found myself thinking more deeply about what it means to live out my faith every day. I’ve been more active in my parish, more intentional in my prayer life and more committed to speaking up on issues that matter.”

When asked how he is preparing for Christmas, he explains that he saves what he can from his salary and shares it with street children in Nairobi on Christmas Day:

“Christmas is about sharing love, not only with our loved ones… It brings me joy in my heart.”

Like Brian, Samson and John the Baptist, let us listen for the Holy Spirit in our lives, so that we can share love and achieve great things.

Advent prayer

Send your Spirit upon us, O Lord,
and guide us throughout our life
to speak up for what matters,
to share love with our neighbours
and to care for our common home.
Amen.

Act

During COP30 in Brazil, groups and country representatives gathered from all over the world to call for urgent climate action. Read on to find out what was achieved at the summit:

Read more about the outcome at COP30