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| Dear Parishioners, As we come closer to Christmas, it is a time to focus not only on the coming of Christ 2000 years ago but also His presence in our world today, especially in the Eucharist. I would ask that we try to remember this when we come to Church. Although no one means disrespect, there seems to be more and more people who are talking during Mass. Not only does this take away from what should be a very sacred time for you but it is also very distracting to others. Let all of us make an effort to make our time in church a time of communal and private prayer and keep our need to talk to one another till Mass is over. Thanks I hope the following meditation from a booklet by Elsie H. McGrath will help you benefit from the Season of Advent. O Key of David, O royal Power of Israel, Ahaz refuses to call upon God for a sign. Is that bad? Aren’t we taught that to ask God for a sign is, in effect, to admit that we don’t completely trust in God’s great providence? Of course, God wants to give this sign of fidelity, so the sign is given anyway. Does Ahaz believe? Joseph doesn't ask for a sign. But Joseph prepares for the coming of the Lord by opening his heart to hear the Word of God. And when the sign is given, Joseph believes its truth. Paul unreservedly believes the sign he is given on the road to Damascus (Acts 9:3-6), and never looks back. He freely serves as Christ’s first and foremost Apostle to the Gentiles, and his loyal and persistent preaching continues to help us who would be saints realize God’s call to us. The Promise is made to us, the the sign is given to us. O God, you who reign over heaven with power and majesty, our Light and our Life; Lord, come and save us and free us from our worldly constrains. Open our hearts to receive your Word, for he comes whether we are ready or not. Sincerely, |
