# Works of Love, Works of Peace
*2016-12-17*

> Bill reflects on the Fourth Sunday of Advent, sharing how small acts of service embody love and bring peace, and leads a prayer of consecration of the sick to Our Lady.

## Advent Reflection

The Fourth Sunday of Advent calls us to "prepare our minds for action" (1 Peter 1:13). This season is not just about waiting, but about disciplining ourselves and setting our hope on the grace that Christ will bring when He is revealed. Mother Teresa reminds us not to dwell on why suffering exists, but to respond to the needs of those around us.

## Putting Love into Action

I tried to live this call by bringing a simple Italian take‑out dinner to friends John and Roseanne, who have been caring for the sick in our parish for nine years. Whether it’s a home‑cooked cookie, a take‑out meal, a phone call, or a visit to a lonely neighbor, the smallest gestures show love in action. Mother Teresa taught that daily, tiny acts—little cookies, a cup of tea, a listening ear—are the “works of love” that become “works of peace.” When we give unconditionally, we experience the peace of God in our own hearts.

## Inspired by Pope Francis

On his 80th birthday, Pope Francis broke bread with the homeless, setting a high bar for us. We may not all be able to share a meal with those in need, but we can still offer food, water, or a kind word. I keep a bottle of water and some sandwiches in my car, hoping to give them to someone on the road, even if the opportunity has not yet arisen.

## Prayer: Consecration of the Sick to Our Lady

Let us now pray together, consecrating those who suffer to the intercession of the Blessed Virgin Mary.

O Virgin Mary, Mother of God and my mother, who stood at the foot of the Cross, have mercy on all who are ill. Through the merits of your sorrows grant them relief and comfort. I consecrate myself, together with all my sorrows, to you. Hail Mary, full of grace, the Lord is with thee; blessed art thou among women, and blessed is the fruit of thy womb, Jesus. Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for us sinners, now and at the hour of our death. Amen.

## Preparing for Christmas

As Advent draws to a close, consider a simple “Christmas Nevena” for your family: each day choose a concrete act of love—sprinkling holy water, visiting a sick person, writing a Christmas card for someone who receives none, or sharing a homemade cookie with a neighbor. These small deeds help children (and adults) encounter the mystery of Christ’s birth in a lived, joyful way.

*Every small act of love plants a seed of peace that grows into God’s presence in our world.*