The second purple candle is lit on the second Sunday of Advent, December 10. This candle is symbolic for Peace: the Bethlehem Candle. This represents the “fulfillment of the Davidic Line of the House of David, in which the Messiah would be born and rule in Peace” (Fr. Ray Guthrie, St. Francis de Sales bulletin).

In the Gospel this week, we find the story of John the Baptist who comes to prepare the way of the Lord. He is the forerunner of Jesus, who is coming to us soon. This was John’s mission, to evangelize, call for repentance and to prepare us. His call is urgent to pay close attention and await prayerfully for His coming.

The angels declared “Peace on earth” at the time of Jesus birth. That peace can be with us every minute of everyday; we have only to pray and accept it. Take a moment each day to slow your thoughts and your doing and find ‘peace’. For this season is really about ‘being rather than doing’.

Peace to you,

PJP