# A Call to Faith – Reflections on the Third Week of Advent
*2008-12-14*

> Bill Young reflects on the Advent reading from Rev. James Field’s *A Melody of Hope*, sharing a personal prayer, insights on the season, and a reminder to offer encouragement to others.

## Opening Prayer

Hail and blessed be the hour in which the Son of God was born of the most pure Virgin Mary, at midnight in Bethlehem, in the piercing cold. O God, hear my prayer and grant my desires through the merits of our Savior Jesus Christ and of His Blessed Mother. Amen.

## Advent Context and the Daily Reading

Today is Tuesday of the third week of Advent. The Gospel focuses on John the Baptist, whose message about the coming Messiah was rejected by the religious leaders but embraced by the humble—tax collectors and prostitutes. Jesus calls us to open our hearts and believe, just as those “least ones” did.

## A Melody of Hope – “A Call to Faith”

Rev. James Field’s meditation reminds us that Advent is a time of transition. From December 17 we begin a novena leading up to Christmas, a nine‑day prayer that has been observed in monasteries for centuries. The traditional antiphon “At the Evening Prayer” (the *Magnificat* antiphon) sets the tone for each day, urging the Church to rejoice even amid darkness and cold.

## Living the Faith Today

The Church invites us to respond to the Advent darkness with vigorous hope. We are called to offer a small deed, a word of encouragement, or good news to someone in need. By doing so, we participate in the coming of God’s kingdom.

## Closing Prayer

Prayer: “Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven.” May we live this prayer each day of Advent.

*Advent challenges us to turn darkness into hope by sharing love and encouragement with those around us.*