Blessed Be the 2nd Sunday of Advent

Each Advent Season, our parish holds a Parish Mission. Last year, as part of the three-year Eucharist Revival, it was a four night event with guest speakers who brought to light the reason behind Catholic teachings that the Eucharist is not just a symbol.

Recent survey among Catholics who attend Mass showed that nearly two-thirds of Catholics view the Eucharist as a symbol of the Lord’s body and blood. That receiving communion isn’t really receiving the actual flesh of Christ, but merely a flat piece of bread that has been blessed, but remains a flat piece of bread. These are Protestant ideas. Or new-age modern thoughts, not those of Catholics from prior generations. My thoughts on the reason behind this I will hold for another day. Today is about Advent – preparing for the coming of Our Lord.

Although I think the lack of belief among the faithful also explains why fewer Catholics have Advent Wreaths in their homes. Even those who attend Mass during Advent might no longer see the need to observe Advent in their daily lives outside of Sunday Mass.

One could argue, especially in light of the turmoil throughout the world today, that this lack of prayer and participation is the root cause of social breakdowns. I’m not just talking about the wars we see breaking out in Eastern Europe or the Middle East. I’m talking about the anger, the hatred and the violence that seems to be a plague that is spilling out everywhere. There is a darkness that is consuming the world.

The second Sunday of Advent is the Sunday of Peace. We are to pray for peace. Not just in the world, or in our communities, but within ourselves. My Peace I give you, my Peace I leave you. This is what Jesus intended for us. His inner peace to be our inner peace. In the still quiet of the coming night, light the candles, pray and offer up that which holds you back from your peace to God. Let Him replace your anxieties with His peace.

I began by telling you about last year’s Parish Advent Mission. This year we spent three nights listening to a priest speak of his role as a Deliverer and the power the Holy Eucharist has over evil in this world. This is most definitely a the subject for another time. For now, let me say light the candles, let the light of His Peace fill your home and let that be what spills out into the world.

ADVENT PRAYERS
Opening Prayer: Lord God, Lamb of God
Let Yours blessings come upon us
As we light the candles of this Advent wreath.
May the wreath and its light be a symbol
Of Christ’s promise of eternal salvation.

Response: Let us go rejoicing to the house of the Lord.

Light the first Purple Candle (Hope)
Prayer: Blessed are you, Lord, God of all creation.
In the darkness and in the light, Holy is Your Name.
We place our hope in you, Oh Lord,
As we prepare our hearts to celebrate the coming of the Lord

Response: Now and forever. Amen.

Light the second Purple Candle (Peace)
Prayer: Blessed are you, Lord; God of all creation.
Let your light shine on those who dwell in darkness.
Let the earth receive her King
And fill our hearts with Your everlasting peace

Response: Now and forever. Amen.

---

Tonight’s Advent Supper is simple, yet elegant. I hope you have a wonderful Advent Sunday and a truly blessed Holiday Season.

Garlic, Herb and Lemon Roasted Game Hens
2 tablespoons Butter
2 sprigs fresh Thyme
2 springs fresh Rosemary
4 Garlic Cloves
1 Lemon
2 Game Hens
Olive Oil
Salt to taste
Fresh Black Pepper
1/2 cup White Wine
1/2 cup Chicken Stock

Heat oven to 450-degrees.

Cut butter into 4 thin slices. Peel garlic, set aside. Slice lemon into wedges, set aside. Pluck the leaves from 1 sprig of thyme, strip and dice needles from 1 sprig rosemary. Mix herb leaves together. Divide herb mixture among pats of butter.

Pat the hens dry with paper towels. Using fingers, loosen the skin on the top of the hens to create pockets. Slip a thin slice of herbed butter under the skin on top of each breast half. Place a quarter of a lemon into the cavity of each hen along with 2 garlic cloves and remaining sprigs of fresh herbs. Truss or tie legs together, tuck wings under the breasts.

Rub each hen all over with olive oil, sprinkle with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Place the hens on the rack of a roasting pant that has been lined with foil. Space hens out so they are as far apart from each other as possible. This will enable the skins to brown and crisp nicely. Place the birds in the heated oven and roast for 25 minutes.

While the hens are roasting, combine the chicken stock and wine together. Set aside.

After the hens have been roasting at the higher temperature for 25 minutes, reduce oven to 350-degrees. Pour the wine mixture over the hens, continue to roast for another 30 minutes, basting the hens with the juices at the bottom of the pan every 10 minutes or so. Birds are done when an instant-read thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the thigh registers 165-degrees and the juices run clear. For extra crisp skin, place under a broiler for just a few minutes.

Carefully remove the hens, pour juices from their cavities into the roasting pan. Transfer hens to a warm platter. Pour the juices from the roasting pan into a bowl or gravy boat to serve along side the birds. Garnish with more herbs and remaining lemon slices if desired.

These birds are delicious with Rice Pilaf and a green vegetable such as green beans or asparagus.

---

I will hear what the Lord God will speak in me:
for He will speak peace unto His people.