ADVENT
A TIME OF PREPARATION AND GREAT ANTICIPATION FOR THE COMING OF OUR LORD, JESUS CHRIST.
ADVENTUS
Saturday of the Fourth Week of Advent—Christmas Eve
Advent Christmas Eve-The Wait
My brothers and sisters in Christ, we have arrived at the top of Christmas Eve, the last day of the Advent season. Our waiting is almost at a close, what joy about to burst within us.
How prepared are you for tomorrow?
We are encouraged to be still for a moment this Christmas season; to watch the birth of a new dawn rise and release the light we’ve waited for, only hours away. Yes, Jesus came 2022 years ago and his kingdom still reigns and will reign forever. And he will continue to birth in our hearts and souls. Our strong belief of his first promise, we wait for his second coming, a promise Jesus will fulfill.
Yet many rush to crowded stores for last minute gifts. Some finish decorating their homes. Working outside the home and every day family needs add to the long night ahead baking mom’s or grandma’s favorite holiday recipes. No wonder for many this is a stressful season to stay ahead of the Christmas Day schedule.
Let’s just pause. Seek the tranquility in the wonder of God’s love for us. Build a strong temple of faith Jesus resides in, not just this Christmas season, but all your life. Kneel before the small wooden manger and welcome Jesus into your heart. Surrender to him.
God sent his promise, his Beloved Son, Jesus Christ: the Messiah-for unto us is born a child whom we will call Master, Lord, King of all kings, Emmanuel-God with us, Teacher, Healer, Conqueror, Savior, Peacemaker, Judge, Mercy, Hope, Love, and Eternal Life.
He is all of these.
May His Peace be with you and your families this blessed Christmas Day.
Friday of the Fourth Week in Advent, December 23, 2022
Today’s Gospel Reading speaks of John the Baptist, the son born to Zechariah and Elizabeth. Elizabeth, first cousin to Mary. John and Jesus, second cousins.
It took fourteen generations for Jesus to come. How many more generations did it take for Jesus to come to you and me? What modern day prophet or teacher paved the way for you?
John The Baptist was chosen to carve a path of preparation not only for his generation, but for future generations. He prepared many for the true Messiah, the Son of God and endured many challenges and gave his life for Jesus.
How many of us have given our lives to Jesus? Carried him in our hearts, allowed Him to lead the way with his truth? How many of us believe in the cause of preparing for the coming of Jesus Christ? Especially his second coming?
Scripture tell us, “All who heard these things took them to heart, saying, “What, then, will this child be?” For surely the hand of the Lord was with him.” (Luke 1:66 NAB) https://bible.usccb.org/bible/luke/1
Yes, the hand of God was with John the Baptist. He was part of his plan.
And now, we prepare and wait for a baby, innocent, holy and pure born of a virgin, Mary. Her purity, without sin, allowed to give birth in holiness. She was full of love to receive her Lord. So much anticipation must have over filled her heart. Only she could withstand God’s presence in her. This child blessed was to carve a path, a Way of Truth and Life for you and me.
What lineage. Let’s be joyful of the family tree we are connected to and blessed. Let us prepare our hearts in purity and holiness to receive the babe, Jesus Christ.
Jesus, the one true God and Lord of heaven. The holy one of Israel.
R. Alleluia, alleluia.
O King of all nations and keystone of the Church; come and save man, whom you formed from the dust!
R. Alleluia, alleluia.
https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/122322.cfm
Scripture tells us, “Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign; the young woman, pregnant and about to bear a son, shall name him Emmanuel.” (Isaiah 7:14 NAB) Isaiah, CHAPTER 7 | USCCB
The waiting is almost over. Rejoice! Rejoice!
Emmanuel, God with us.
Thursday of the Fourth Week of Advent, December 22, 2022
As I reflected on today’s Gospel readings, my heart was filled with these prayerful thoughts:
My God is faithful and merciful. He is my savior. My Lord is mighty and just in his teachings. His love is everlasting and my Lord keeps his promises. He feeds me with his Word. His strength and compassion surround me. O how glorious my God is. Let my soul magnify his name.
O Mary, you are the model for today, for me, for us; obedient and faithful. Full of longing and expectation of the birth of your Son, Jesus. Emmanuel-God with us. O what joy. You are the promise fulfilled, to crush the head of the serpent. (Gen 3:15 NAB)
I too am his lowly servant and my God has done great things for me. He has rescued me. And he will bring light to my soul through the birth of an innocent child, His Beloved Son.
O how good He is.
Let us pray as an Advent prayer “Hail Mary, full of grace, the Lord is with thee. Blessed art thou amongst 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.
As we accompany Mary in her Advent journey, we are reminded through that small prayer of how good our God is.
Wednesday of the Fourth Week of Advent, December 21, 2022
How do you know if a friend or relative is filled with Jesus? Does your heart beat extra in excitement when you embrace them? I think so.
So was the visitation between Mary and Elizabeth. We are so reminded when we pray the Joyful Mysteries of the Rosary. Elizabeth knew Mary was chosen, blessed to carry the child who was her Lord, her Savior.
This visitation between Mary and Elizabeth was in anticipation of the birth of Jesus Christ who would come into this world a poor humbled child and of the birth of John the Baptist who would clear the way for Jesus. Mary came to serve Elizabeth during her time of pregnancy. She was greatly surprised of how Mary was not worried of her own pregnancy.
Jesus would bring Truth and everlasting joy. We must rejoice in his presence. Mary fulfills the joyful expectation by helping others. Mary did not worry for herself. She believed for humanity. Mary was jubilant for us. She carried the Messiah as foretold. She became the direct door to Jesus.
Mary blessed among all women for she would become the Mother of our Lord. She became the model for us to believe in God’s word, “and the word became flesh.” (John 1:14 NAB). How powerful these four words. Believe God wants to be present in us as he was present in Mary. Let us turn our gaze upon Jesus born of the Virgin. We are days away of this happiness.
We too must be filled with excitement this Christmas. To have a joyful expectancy of Jesus coming to us as promised.
Let us leap for joy and take in the prophecy fulfilled. Emmanuel-God with us.
Tuesday of the Fourth Week of Advent, December 20, 2022
Sometimes when you read over the day’s Gospel Reading, you are filled with an added reflection.
In Is. Chapter 7, the prophet Isiah so wanted us to understand of the sign humanity would be given. A virgin bearing a son named Emmanuel. A miracle announced. This is the season to allow Jesus within us; to create that personal relationship with him. Allow his birth, his presence to dwell in you and me.
This December 25, during the Christ Mass, receive Jesus in the Eucharist, the mystery of the Body and Blood of the Christ Jesus. Imagine yourself as the new manger as Jesus is given to you to embrace. Accept him in your heart. Be the new Bethlehem others will see in you. Our bodies are that vessel our Lord wants to reside in. Let him in and wrap him in your love. You will know those of like vessels that said, “Yes” to Jesus Christ this Christmas.
Scripture tells us, “Rejoice always. Pray without ceasing. In all circumstances give thanks, for this is the will of God for you in Christ Jesus.” (1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 NAB)
Rejoice in all of your seasons of life. For some, the Autumn years bring reflection of past Christmas’ and the joy felt in knowing Jesus, the Babe all their lives. For some, the Spring and Summer seasons of those lives, allow distractions to sidetrack us from the true meaning of this beautiful time. If so, don’t wait too long to uncover its true gifts.
Remember, God loves you. Rejoice in him. Be thankful for saving you; for his love is past, present and future. There may have been difficult times through the year, but God was with you even if you thought he was not. Don’t give up on him. He will always stay with you.
God bless you. Merry Christmas, let us slow down a bit and rejoice together.
Tuesday of the Fourth Week of Advent, December 20, 2022
O Come O Come Emmanuel
O Come O Come God with us
Scripture tells us, “the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and shall name him Emmanuel.” (Is 7:14 NAB)
Mary, the pure vessel, the new Ark of the Covenant, the mother of God.
O come let us adore him.
The wait will stop, and the King of all kings is here with us.
The angel said that Mary was full of grace and found favor with God. Scripture tells us, “Mary said, “Behold, I am the handmaid of the Lord. May it be done to me according to your word. Then the angel departed from her.” (Lk 1:36-38 NAB)
Thank you Mary for saying, “Yes.”
Monday of the Fourth Week of Advent, December 19, 2022
Believe and trust in God’s word. Seek him without seeing. Be faithful to knowing God will be with us throughout time. Know that everything is possible with Him.
Zechariah trusted the message from God through the Angel Gabriel. His wife Elizabeth, barren for years believed the impossibility, to bear a child in her old age. From her and Zechariah came John the Baptist who would guide many to Jesus Christ.
Believe and trust in the coming of Jesus Christ. Be ready to be his disciple, to spread the Word; to pray for many conversions. Believe in the possibility with Jesus. He will do for you during Advent to prepare you. Trust and praise him.
Fourth Sunday of Advent
Sunday of the Fourth Week of Advent, December 18, 2022
Fr. Chris Alar of the Marian Fathers of the Immaculate Conception gave a beautiful Homily on Understanding the Incarnation. He shares a simple explanation of Who and Why the Incarnation happened from his Seminary days, his Christology classes. He is a wonderful teacher of our Catholic faith and I hope you will enjoy and learn from him.
Link: Watch the Daily Holy Mass | The Divine Mercy
Note: When the Mass starts, move the bottom red line forward until you come to the first reading (timer: 5:58) into the second reading. Fr. Chris’ Homily starts at the Timer: 11:38. God bless you all.
Saturday of the Third Week of Advent, December 17, 2022
Ancestry. Such a powerful word so many cling to it in search of family lines. Connecting to distant relatives of the past. How many generations did it take for Jesus to arrive? What ancestry lineages became? Ever wonder where you fit?
Scripture tells us, “The book of the genealogy of Jesus Christ, the son of David, the son of Abraham.
Abraham became the father of Isaac, Isaac the father of Jacob, Jacob the father of Judah and his brothers. Judah became the father of Perez and Zerah, whose mother was Tamar. Perez became the father of Hezron, Hezron the father of Ram, Ram the father of Amminadab. Amminadab became the father of Nahshon, Nahshon the father of Salmon, Salmon the father of Boaz, whose mother was Rahab. Boaz became the father of Obed, whose mother was Ruth. Obed became the father of Jesse, Jesse the father of David the king.
David became the father of Solomon, whose mother had been the wife of Uriah.
Solomon became the father of Rehoboam, Rehoboam the father of Abijah,
Abijah the father of Asaph. Asaph became the father of Jehoshaphat,
Jehoshaphat the father of Joram, Joram the father of Uzziah. Uzziah became the father of Jotham, Jotham the father of Ahaz, Ahaz the father of Hezekiah.
Hezekiah became the father of Manasseh, Manasseh the father of Amos,
Amos the father of Josiah. Josiah became the father of Jechoniah and his brothers
at the time of the Babylonian exile.
After the Babylonian exile, Jechoniah became the father of Shealtiel, Shealtiel the father of Zerubbabel, Zerubbabel the father of Abiud. Abiud became the father of Eliakim, Eliakim the father of Azor, Azor the father of Zadok. Zadok became the father of Achim, Achim the father of Eliud, Eliud the father of Eleazar. Eleazar became the father of Matthan, Matthan the father of Jacob, Jacob the father of Joseph, the husband of Mary. Of her was born Jesus who is called the Christ.
Thus the total number of generations from Abraham to David is fourteen generations; from David to the Babylonian exile, fourteen generations; from the Babylonian exile to the Christ, fourteen generations. (Mt 1:1-17 NAB)
Humanity waited a long time for the Messiah, the Redeemer, the Savior, Emmanuel to arrive. A promise kept with a second promise to come. Be ready. Be faithful to the wait. Goodness and justice will reign. And better yet, His kingdom will reign forever.
We are days away from the first arrival of 2000 years ago. We keep that promise in our hearts. God bless you all.
Friday of the Third Week of Advent, December 16, 2022
How this Advent Season has come reminding us of how close we are to the birth of an innocent child. A child so pure, without sin, will have a great impact on humanity.
Grow and remain strong in your faith. Keep the light of hope in your heart. Remember how faithful Jesus is and the promise he keeps. He came 2000 years ago and promises to return.
Let us be a shining light for those whose spark for this season is dim. Help them understand they are not alone. Pray. Keep a strong faith in the Father sending his Son to redeem the world. He will bring justice and salvation. Be faithful to our Lord know he will return in the future as he promised.
Thursday of the Third Week of Advent, December 15, 2022
How wonderful to know our Lord is our redeemer. He is our helper. Sing in joyful gratitude of all his gifts given to us.
Scripture tells us, “Behold, I am sending my messenger ahead of you, he will prepare your way before you.” John the Baptist and many others came before us with a simple message.
Jesus is coming.
Be prepared. Pray and repent. Work to leave the dryness of the desert of our lives behind. What a gift we will receive this December 25. Holiness will be among us.
Scripture tells us, “And the Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us, and we saw his glory, the glory as of the Father’s only Son, full of grace and truth. (John 1:14 NAB)
How powerful those words, what a miracle. Rejoice with anticipation. Jesus will soon be here.
Wednesday of the Third Week of Advent, December 14, 2022
As you well know we’ve been in preparation for the coming of the birth of the child Jesus. God’s plan to give us his Son who will bring salvation to humanity. How wonderful is our Heavenly Father, mighty, loving and merciful. We must turn to him. He will save us through his Son. He is the Creator of all and there is no other like him. He is our God. Keep a strong prayer life, you’ll feel his presence and know the grace of humility. All that our Father gives us is a gift, the graces we need to become closer to him. This Christmas, take hold of the reason for this season…Jesus Christ. Embrace him. He is all we need.
Tuesday of the Third Week of Advent, December 13, 2022
Scripture says, “Thus says the LORD: Woe to the city, rebellious and polluted, to the tyrannical city! She hears no voice, accepts no correction; In the LORD she has not trusted, to her God she has not drawn near. For then I will change and purify the lips of the peoples, That they all may call upon the name of the LORD, to serve him with one accord;
From beyond the rivers of Ethiopia and as far as the recesses of the North, they shall bring me offerings. On that day You need not be ashamed of all your deeds, your rebellious actions against me; For then will I remove from your midst the proud braggarts, And you shall no longer exalt yourself on my holy mountain. But I will leave as a remnant in your midst a people humble and lowly, Who shall take refuge in the name of the LORD: the remnant of Israel. They shall do no wrong and speak no lies; Nor shall there be found in their mouths a deceitful tongue; They shall pasture and couch their flocks with none to disturb them. (Zep 3:1-2, 9-13 NAB)
Let us pray: Lord Jesus, I am a sinner. Forgive me of my sins. I go before in repentance. Have mercy on my soul for I want to be ready for your coming. Prophets of old forewarned us of our iniquities. Some listened and some walked away. My faith small or large, take my hand, I believe in you Jesus. My Lord, I ask for the grace of growing in humility and being in lowliness of heart.
My God, from you I came as your child, a gift. Like many sinners fallen from grace, I surrender to you this Advent season for the gift of the Christ Child. May I be as humble as he lived his life in humility. Amen. Guadalupe Irma © 2022
Feast Day of Our Lady of Guadalupe, December 12
Monday of the Third Week of Advent, December 12, 2022-Feast Day of Our Lady of Guadalupe
We read in Scripture,
We read in Scripture, “Mary set out and traveled to the hill country in haste to a town of Judah, where she entered the house of Zechariah and greeted Elizabeth. When Elizabeth heard Mary’s greeting, the infant leaped in her womb, and Elizabeth, filled with the Holy Spirit, cried out in a loud voice and said, “Most blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb. And how does this happen to me, that the mother of my Lord should come to me? For at the moment the sound of your greeting reached my ears, the infant in my womb leaped for joy. Blessed are you who believed that what was spoken to you by the Lord would be fulfilled.”
And Mary said: “My soul proclaims the greatness of the Lord; my spirit rejoices in God my savior.” (Lk 1:39-47)
Many people wonder if our Lady of Guadalupe is a different Mary from the traditional look of Mary we often, see? No, she is not. There is only one Mary and she has appeared to us in the manner we will relate to her.
Today, December 12, we know her as Maria of Guadalupe or simply, Our Lady of Guadalupe, a celebrated Feast Day throughout the Catholic Church. She appeared in Mexico, pregnant, carrying a child who would be King and Savior of all of heaven and earth; of all humanity. She would be known as Mary, the Mother of God or Maria, Madre de Dios.
On December 9, 1531, she appeared to Juan Diego, an Aztec Indian, indigenous to the land, whom we now know as Saint Juan Diego on Tepeyac Hill. She had a challenging mission for him. She wanted the Bishop of the area to build a temple in her honor where she stood. She told him to pick the roses from the area, and being December, this flower was not in season. Miraculously these Castilian roses appeared. He was to take them to the Bishop as her sign for him to believe in her appeal Juan Diego had delivered during his various visits.
And he did. Juan Diego collected the roses and placed them inside his tilma. On his visit of December 12, and before the Bishop, he opened his tilma. Juan Diego expected the roses he picked to fall out, but instead, a miracle unfolded before him and his audience. A beautiful image of Our Lady of Guadalupe’s appearance was revealed on this simple cactus fiber cloak. The Bishop in awe…believed. This tilma still exists today for all to see in the Basilica of Our Lady of Guadalupe in Mexico City.
In the mid 1970s I went to Mexico City to see this miracle. Yes, it remains as Juan Diego wore his tilmas in 1531 to then in the 1970s to today. A real miracle we can see and the beautiful image of our Blessed Mother, the Virgin Mary, Maria of Guadalupe remains alive for all to see. To this day, the Basilica of Our Lady of Guadalupe is open to all visitors from all over the world.
She came to convert the Mexican natives, be baptized to the one true faith. This was the largest conversion seen by mankind. Human sacrificing would end forever in Mexico. She had crushed the false gods in that country and peace came.
Sunday of the Third Week of Advent, December 11, 2022
Advent-Joyful Sunday
Today during Mass, our priest, and I’ll paraphrase, informed us today, this Third Sunday in Advent is called The Joyful Sunday. Also known as Gaudete Sunday being Latin, to rejoice, be joyful. And even though Advent is a penitential time, it is a season to absolve sin and be in the state of grace for Christmas.
And if you count the days before Christmas from today, thirteen days are left for the upcoming joy of the Birth of Jesus Christ. We continue to wait, prepare, and repent. We are also in a period of joyful expectation for the Solemnity of Christmas.
Dressed in Rose or Pink vestments this Third Sunday of Advent, the color liturgically represents Joy.
My brethren, keep in mind what scripture says, “Behold, I am sending my messenger ahead of you; he will prepare your way before you. (Mt 11:10 NAB)
If you know of someone unsure of this season, help them prepare for our Lord’s coming. For them to have that same joy of his birth that saved us from our sins. There are many who need our guidance. Who want to receive the crown of righteousness. God bless you all and all your efforts for Christ. Rejoice in Him.
A gift: I am including the link to an Advent Reflection by Dr. Tim Gray posted on the Amen App. Enjoy… https://amenapp.org/prayer/37i8cy
Saturday of the Second Week of Advent, December 10, 2022
Elijah, the Prophet, was given a task he would endure to the end of his life. He came to announce the coming of the Son of God. To forewarn a generation of chaos to return to God or suffer his wrath; to speak to the hearts of families to end rivalry and love one another again. This Messiah would bring justice to all.
Sound familiar?
In the midst of today’s chaos, rivalry between families, many straying from the church, governments clashing, this Advent Season reminds us of the coming of the Son of God. And these initial weeks, the Gospel Readings almost apocalyptic is calling us to Preparation and Repentance; to changing our lives and turn to Him.
Yes, we decorate our homes in holiday style and do our stressful shopping for friends and family. But what shopping have you done for Jesus? Were you in deep repentance and asked for the gift, the grace of forgiveness from Him?
Sometimes, some things have to hit us like a ton of bricks before the light bulb turns on. This is day 14 of Advent and I’ve realized more its meaning through the reiteration of the Word of God during this season. Like John the Baptist, he too announced the coming of the Messiah and to get ready to receive him. He’s led the way to the one who would give us new life.
Think about how many listened then and how many are listening now?
That message is the same today as it was yesterday. Don’t dismiss it. If you find yourself in a dark place, turn from it. Wake up. Be stirred and turn to our Lord. Prepare your heart through the Sacrament of Reconciliation. Reach for his forgiving love. He will replenish you. He will save you. He will be all that you need.
Remember, his birth continues to unwrap Hope, mercy, Forgiveness, Love and Peace. All the earthly preparation and decoration for Christmas won’t save us, only Jesus Christ. Be vulnerable to him. Surrender at the feet of the Baby Jesus this Christmas. Let him know you waited for him this December 25 and look to his second coming. He is the gift our hearts fill up with love and joy.
He is coming.
Friday of the Second Week of Advent, December 09, 2022
Scripture says, “Thus says the LORD, your redeemer, the Holy One of Israel:
I, the LORD, your God, teach you what is for your good, and lead you on the way you should go. If you would hearken to my commandments, your prosperity would be like a river, and your vindication like the waves of the sea;
Your descendants would be like the sand, and those born of your stock like its grains, Their name never cut off or blotted out from my presence.” (Is 48:17-19)
Follow our Lord’s teachings my brothers and sisters, He is coming. Go out to meet him and receive the light of life. God bless you all.
Mary, immaculate and full of grace.
Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary, December 8, 2022
We pause today on our Advent Reflections to bring honor to The Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin, Mary. To understand her vital role in humanity.
Scripture tells us, “The angel Gabriel was sent from God to a town of Galilee called Nazareth, to a virgin betrothed to a man named Joseph, of the house of David, and the virgin’s name was Mary. And coming to her, he said, “Hail, full of grace! The Lord is with you.”
But she was greatly troubled at what was said and pondered what sort of greeting this might be. Then the angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God. Behold, you will conceive in your womb and bear a son, and you shall name him Jesus. He will be great and will be called Son of the Most High, and the Lord God will give him the throne of David his father, and he will rule over the house of Jacob forever, and of his Kingdom there will be no end.”
But Mary said to the angel, “How can this be, since I have no relations with a man?”
And the angel said to her in reply, “The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you. Therefore the child to be born will be called holy, the Son of God. And behold, Elizabeth, your relative, has also conceived a son in her old age, and this is the sixth month for her who was called barren; for nothing will be impossible for God.”
Mary said, “Behold, I am the handmaid of the Lord. May it be done to me according to your word.”
Then the angel departed from her.” (Lk 1:26-38 NAB)
Mary was born without original sin and without stain. She lacked nothing and was filled with permanent grace. If you think about it, Jesus could not co-exist with original sin. He was conceived in Mary through the Holy Spirit.
As we look at the Trinity, God is the Lover, the Son is the Beloved and the Holy Spirit, being the third person from the greatest love between the Father and the Son. How beautiful is that!
Sin and stain of the corrupt nature we were conceived with being of the broken human nature. Through the hands of Mary, the first apostle of God, pure and immaculate, we hear God on what he needs us to do through Mary united with the Divine Mercy to prepare the world for Jesus Christ’s second coming.
Know the miracle of the birth of Jesus is the light we needed then, now and to come. Let us honor the Immaculate Conception, most Blessed Virgin Mary. Say a prayer today and tomorrow to Mary, she The Immaculate Conception is the Patroness of the United States.
I’ve listed a link for you: A Solemn Act of Consecration to the Immaculate Heart of Mary, A Solemn Act of Consecration to the Immaculate Heart of Mary | EWTN
Never travel alone
Wednesday of the Second Week of Advent, December 7, 2022
As stated in the Bible,
Jesus said to the crowds: “Come to me, all you who labor and are burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am meek and humble of heart; and you will find rest for yourselves. For my yoke is easy, and my burden light.” (Mt 11:28-30 NAB)
The clarity in today’s Gospel Reading is amazing. Write it on an index card and tape it to your computer and reflect on it daily. When your cross is too heavy to carry, run to Him and offer it up in prayer to him. Who else would do that for you?
Rely on Jesus and no other. You will feel his ease. Be of good council to someone and lead them to Jesus. They will find consolation in his arms. What assurance his love brings.
Remember there is no need to live in loneliness. Jesus carries all our burdens no matter how heavy. Repent as you release your pain to Him who accepts such preparation for his coming this Christmas and beyond. You will feel renewed in strength. Prayer offering all of you problems up to Jesus. His yoke of love so easy to receive.
I know it can be hard, feeling spiritually vulnerable, but that is why Jesus came and will come again. To ease our pain, bring us relief and make us clean, and help us prepare for him. So, let’s be ready for Christmas as we read in scripture,
“If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just, ad will forgive our sins and cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” (1 John 1:9 NAB)
To Do: Have deep spiritual preparation. Pray. Repent. Go to Confession. Be of readiness when you stand before him this Christmas Day and be renewed.
Tuesday of the Second Week of Advent, December 6, 2022
We have all taken spiritual detours that have kept us at a distance from God. But know this, He does not forget the wanderer. Jesus will journey to the ends of the earth in search of you, that I know. His promise to be there for each of us continues even when we dismiss his voice calling our name.
Today’s Reading: One Has Gone Astray
No finger pointing, this Advent Season, he looks for you and me.
During this reflection, I felt him say, “I have come in search of you. I love you. Return to me. I am here. Give me your worries, your troubles. I will carry them for you.”
My heart was overwhelmed with joy overwhelming my tear ducts taking deep breaths. What peace my soul felt.
My brothers and sisters in Jesus Christ, the Babe, the Word made Flesh, the Victim for you and me, our Savior…take his hand, he pulls you up from your iniquities. Prepare for his coming.
This second week of Advent light your two purple candles, a light for Peace. Sit for a moment in silence, then in prayer: Christ our Hope, illuminate our hearts with your grace. Enlarge our vision so that we recognize our kinship with all the people of the world. Help us to give to others in ways that meet their deepest needs. We await your coming with gratitude. Amen.
Scripture tells us, “For you had gone astray like sheep, but you have now returned to the shepherd and guardian of your souls.” (1 Peter 2:25 NAB)
Jesus says, “Rejoice with me because I have found my lost sheep.” (Luke 15: 6 NAB)
Question: How did you feel when you returned to Jesus?
And second question: How did it feel when you accepted Jesus Christ as your Savior?
He will refresh you. Be ready to Rejoice and be at Peace. God bless you all.
Monday of the Second Week of Advent, December 5, 2022
Today’s Bible readings bring forth Faith once again. How one man persevered because of his strong faith in Jesus’ coming by where he lived. He wanted to see the Glory of God before him. His journey, helped by friends, achieved his goal: salvation through Faith in Christ.
I’m sure we know a friend who is unsure of this season and its meaning. Whose faith may not be as strong as yours. Our own journey consists of helping others strengthen their trust in God; guidance to repent through the Sacrament of Penance the dark path they might travel on; bringing them to prayer with you leading.
Let them know you too are in preparation for our Lord’s coming. You want all your senses awaken to anticipation of the Child Jesus; of the Hope he brings and the promise He will keep of his return.
We hear of leading a holy life, to be a saint for Christ. This is the season to do so. It is hard for we must follow Him, read his Word daily and pray. Do good works and repent of our sins and forgive where we find difficulty.
We know of Jesus first coming on Christmas Day as an innocent child, vulnerable to mankind’s ugliness. We will see that later in the Lenten Season. Yet we are shown this is a season of waiting, of preparation as well.
Bow on bended knee with joy my friend. Our God will come to save us. (Is. 35:4f NAB) We wait for his coming to be rescued from the paralysis of sin, just like the paralytic who trusted in Jesus’ saving miracle. Purified by his mercy and love through repentance with Hope; let us journey together seeking no more sorrow, for eternal redemption and everlasting joy.
Open your eyes and see what incredible things our Lord God can and will do for you; for us all. We must persevere with hope, and a strong faith. I can’t stress that enough. We long for his forgiveness so to kneel before him childlike. He is God, a mighty King with great compassion for you and me. He knows our thoughts, needs, sorrows, hardships, dryness of soul and our distance from Him. He will raise us to walk in his light forever more.
My brothers and sister in Christ, glorify God in all your work, and in your life. Praise him for the Hope he will send on Christmas Day and upon his return, the second and final coming. Let us be in awe. Walk up to him in holiness and be amazed by him.
This is our journey. Lead someone to Christ, their Savior, the long-awaited Messiah of then, now and to come again as promised.
Forgiveness of Sins because Jesus loves us.
We are called to Repentance.
To Do: Go to Confession this week, this Advent Season.
Second Sunday of Advent—Peace
Sunday of the Second Week of Advent-Peace December 4, 2022
Why do we see our priests in purple vestments? Our church alters draped in purple. We see it both in the seasons of Advent and Lent. Both are Penitential seasons. Seasons of trials, sacrifices, fasting, atonement of sins, preparation; of draped in purple. Remember when Jesus was crowned with thorns and draped in a purple cloak?
Seek forgiveness, and mercy in a time of dryness before the coming of our Lord.
It also signifies the color of Royalty; of Jesus Christ; of the Messiah, the Anointed One. Longing for Jesus, our King. Both seasons are periods of searching and hunger for Him. Again, we are in the season of waiting with preparation of amending our lives from darkness. That makes us penitents making room for Christ’s coming on Christmas Day.
Remember, add a Rosary to your day; forgive others, love more, strive for a holy life so to be a saint for Christ; defend your faith more often enlightening others to Christ, the newborn King.
God bless you all.
Saturday of the First Week of Advent, December 3, 2022
When Jesus went to the various towns, he saw people who were troubled and abandoned. Lost souls who were in need of healing and rescuing. They were the harvest that needed the laborers to bring the Gospel to them. He noted asking the Master to provide more laborers.
Who is the master of the harvest?
Do we find there are not enough pastors, priests, ministers, clergymen and women for the masses that are hungry for the Word of God? It should sadden you as it does me. There are many lost souls during Advent. Please pray for those called to minister the Body of Christ, they be multiplied. We need more laborers of the cloth to bring Jesus to the many souls who hunger to be found and brought home to Jesus Christ.
This Advent Season, if you hear the Master calling you to lead his people to his Son, I pray those waiting will find Jesus Christ in you. Let them know, God’s kingdom is nearby. And that means Jesus is nearby, his kingdom is coming.
Friday of the First Week of Advent, December 2, 2022
As stated in the Bible:
As Jesus passed by, two blind men followed him, crying out,
“Son of David, have pity on us!”
When he entered the house, the blind men approached him and Jesus said to them,
“Do you believe that I can do this?”
“Yes, Lord,” they said to him.
Then he touched their eyes and said,
“Let it be done for you according to your faith.”
And their eyes were opened.
Jesus warned them sternly,
“See that no one knows about this.”
But they went out and spread word of him through all that land. (Mt 9:27-31 NAB)
As we live each day, we wait for something. This 28-day Advent Season is a season of waiting.
Are we the two blind men who wait for Jesus to come by? Is our faith as strong as theirs? They could not see him. Yet they believed of his mercy. Allow Jesus to heal you with a strong faith. If we do not prepare for his coming by, how blind are we this Advent Season?
Believe he is real. Real in our hearts because of our faith. Allow Jesus to touch your eyes with his light so you may see clearly your path to him. This Advent season do not dismiss the readiness for his coming. Do not turn from the Sacrament of Penance, of Reconciliation. It is there for the asking; asking for mercy and forgiveness so to be ready to receive him at Christmas.
Thursday of the First Week of Advent, December 1, 2022
Trust and be faithful to God. He is mighty, and our eternal Rock. He will keep us safe within his protective walls and peace will encircle our lives. Salvation is at hand, worry not. Ask for the grace to understand the way of preparation. Seek Him out. Let us not find ourselves too late in spiritual ruin.
Build your faith on solid ground with God as your foundation. A foundation that is not weaken or plummeted because we chose to be intimate with him. We’ve acknowledged him as our Lord. A groundwork that withstands trials and chastisements because we trust in our Almighty Father and in his mercy. Through his Son, our faith will not breakdown or fall into ruin. Be strong as we all wait for his Final Coming. He is coming for you and me. We are his beloved.
Wednesday of the First Week of Advent, November 30, 2022
Today’s reading of our Lord gathering his twelve and their mission of evangelization reminded me of this prayer/poem I wrote in 2016. I feel it captures our disciple mission to be fishers of men and women.
Scripture tells us, “As Jesus was walking by the Sea of Galilee, he saw two brothers, Simon who is called Peter, and his brother Andrew, casting a net into the sea; they were fishermen.
He said to them, “Come after me, and I will make you fishers of men.”
At once they left their nets and followed him.
He walked along from there and saw two other brothers, James, the son of Zebedee, and his brother John. They were in a boat, with their father Zebedee, mending their nets.
He called them, and immediately they left their boat and their father
and followed him.” (Mt 4:18-22 NAB)
Fishers of Men and Women
My Lord Jesus, your chosen twelve left everything behind to follow you.
These twelve, you nominated as Fishers of Men.
Throughout generations their nets have called those willing to do your work. Teach us Jesus to cast out our nets of evangelization in your name, to be your fishers of men and women.
My Lord Jesus, instruct us how:
to teach the readiness of your coming,
to spread your Word in praise of your glory,
to walk your way in faith and without fear,
to cast our nets among the poor and those unsteady in their faith,
to love those who do not hope or love you,
to pray for your people and believe in the power of prayer,
to pray for mankind's healing from sinful lives,
to ask for mercy and forgiveness for those whose sins are heavy and
to guide someone so close to conversion.
Jesus, enrich our journey with courage, wisdom and knowledge as we touch all walks of life to bring them into your presence.
As your chosen Fishers of Men and Women, we praise you Lord Jesus and glorify your name evangelizing others with your cross to lead. Amen.
Guadalupe Irma Frakes, © 2016
Tuesday of the First Week of Advent, November 29, 2022
When I read today’s first Reading from Is 11:1-10, Isiah predicted the coming of a great messiah. He tells us of the lineage of Jesse in the form of a tree stump. And from that a small, new branch would grow. Such imagery of Hope. Now Jesse is a descendant of the father of David and both Jesse and David are ancestors of Jesus.
So, from Jesse’s lineage, his family tree, his roots, there comes an heir that will be born with great attributes. We know this as the birth of Jesus Christ fulfilled on Christmas Day. He is the Hope many await and seek.
His birth will be a sign of Hope to all nations. Jesus will have the Spirit of Lord upon him. He will have wisdom, understanding, counsel, strength, knowledge, and the fear of the Lord. And he will judge all, and make all wrongs right.
Remember, this season will bring trials. Where are you on the Hope scale? How much hope does our nation have? We live in a world with much despair. Don’t get swallowed in it. This Advent season, pray for our nation. Pray for each other. Jesus is that branch. He is the Hope humanity continues to need. He is the promise fulfilled. He is the Messiah that will return to set our world right.
Don’t give up. I’m not. I’m right there with you in prayer. Let’s pray our Hope Scale is beyond 10 for all mankind especially as we near Christmas.
Scripture tells us, “On that day, A shoot shall sprout from the stump of Jesse, and from his roots a bud shall blossom.” Is 11:1 (NAB)
Monday of the First Week of Advent, November 28, 2022:
In today’s Gospel’s reading (Matthew 8:5-11) the centurion with many under his authority, tells Jesus his servant is ill and suffering. Jesus automatically tells him he’ll come and cure him.
This man had such great faith in Jesus say his servant was healed was enough. Yet he felt not worthy of Jesus coming to his home. His faith astonished Jesus. Our lord wants to be amazed by our faith in Him.
How many times have we asked Jesus to heal us of our iniquities? How worthy or unworthy are we before our Lord? We are on a journey these four weeks. A journey to get closer to God. If you think about it, Advent and Lent are similar. Sacrifice something. Give up sin to make room for Jesus’ coming celebrating him this Christmas.
Find your faith this season of Advent. Jesus is coming to heal us all. We must believe and be ready. Bring your offerings to the foot of his crib. He is Hope.
What can you sacrifice this season? How can you grow your heart for Jesus?
Pray an extra mystery of the Rosary. Go to daily Mass. Be obedient to the will of God. Do some good works that takes you into a deeper spirituality, a closer relationship with Jesus. Believe in his healing.
Sunday of the First Week of Advent-Hope November 27, 2022:
Today marks the first day of the new liturgical year in the Catholic Church. It also is the first Sunday of Advent. So, what is Advent? Why is it important?
Advent means The Coming
A Season of Preparation and Reflection
We reflect on the first coming of Jesus Christ which we celebrate on Christmas Day.
First Sunday of Advent—Hope
Yet today’s Gospel Reading gives us a different view on the preparation for the coming of Jesus Christ. His Second Coming. Yes, when He comes at the end of the ages in glory. Jesus will right humanities wrongs, judge the living and the dead and his sovereignty will reign forever.
Our outlook should be of eternal life with our Lord. Our hearts should be filled with anticipation for the Messiah to cleanse the world of its sins; have expectancy of His second coming. Remember, the church wants us to be prepared for the end of the world. Scary as it may sound, be not afraid.
Don’t feel today’s readings are doom and gloom. We must help each other prepare for our Lord. Prepare for the gift of all seasons: the babe that brought hope and love; the man who gave his life for us and the King of all kings-our Savior who will return.
What preparation must we do during the season of Advent? And beyond?
1. Love God through his Son Jesus Christ.
2. Prepare a prayer life.
3. Put on the Armor of God and never remove it.
4. Stay awake. Let not your soul be asleep.
5. Be vigilant. Our world walks in darkness.
6. Do good works toward one another and community.
7. Repentance of sin.
8. Forgive especially our enemies with love.
9. Have a pure heart and lead a holy life.
10. Stand up for Good in the face of evil.
Remember the greatest gift of this season: Jesus in us and we in Him. Let us pray for each other to be ready; for our hearts prepared for His Second Coming. He comes with anticipation we will be ready.
Jesus is coming soon. When is soon? The end of the world soon? Yes, but only Jesus has that timeline. In the meantime, we must have Hope in our readiness. Together we can start checking our Preparation List for this Season of Advent and those to come.
Scripture tells us, “Therefore, stay awake! For you do not know on which day your Lord will come.” Matthew 24:42 (NAB)
Scripture texts in this work are taken from the New American Bible, revised edition © 2010, 1991, 1986, 1970 Confraternity of Christian Doctrine, Washington, D.C. and are used by permission of the copyright owner. All Rights Reserved. No part of the New American Bible may be reproduced in any form without permission in writing from the copyright owner.