First Sunday of Advent – Year A

Heaven is surely the place without war and tools of destruction. Why can’t earth also be such a place? Why can’t swords and spears and tools of war and violence be turned into ploughshares and pruning hooks and tools for growing things and cultivating life? It would be the best way to get ready for Jesus.

Name some personality traits that could be thought of as ‘swords and spears’, such as gossiping or using sarcasm and put-downs. Are there ‘swords and spears’ in your personality?

How can you cultivate spiritual life and growth in your own personality? The world seems to be getting more violent. We see it all the time on television.

Why is the world such a violent place?

What do you think are the contributing factors to the attitude that violence is an acceptable way to respond to conflict?

How can a group of young people concerned about violence affect their neighbourhood or school?