Third Sunday 2023: A Voice Crying in the Desert

Now bring glad tidings to the poor,
feed and shelter the homeless
among you, those who are hungry. 
Heal those who are brokenhearted,
holding no hope in the face of
loss and hate and unholy wars. 
God sends the rich away empty,
but not today, not here and now.  
Though darkness and war surround you
Testify to the light always,
Test everything; retain the good.
Refrain from all kind of evil.
God’s hands are your hands and my hands.
Testify to the light always.

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Sonnet on the scripture readings for the Third Sunday of Advent:

Isaiah 61:1-2A, 10-11

1 Thessalonians 5:16-24

John 1:6-8, 19-28