Daily Thoughts: "Rejoice
always. Pray without ceasing. In all circumstances give thanks, for this is the
will of God for you in Christ Jesus “(Words from Paul). The anticipation of
Christmas is probably getting to us by now. We have been in and out of stores,
fought the crowds, looked for bargains, yet not all the shopping or preparation
is done. The tree is up the decorations are out and we have caught the
Christmas spirit. However, it is still Advent, we are still in anticipation. We
are asked today to be joyful, to pray and to be thankful all of which will
prepare us for the gift of Christmas!
There is a joy and happiness to the fact
that Christmas is coming but we still have to deal with everyday life. There is
still work to be done. The Third Sunday of Advent always seems to bring these
two feeling together, the joy, the rejoicing and the anticipation of what is coming
- Christmas and the patients and investment in everyday life that is needed
because Christmas is not here yet.
The mixing of emotions can be difficult
and stressful. We can sometimes let on emotion overcome to other. Yet patience
and joy are the essence of what makes life livable! In the Gospel today, (John
1: 6-8, 19-28), the people want to know who John the Baptist is. They think he
might be the Christ or Elijah, or a Prophet, but John says he is not any of
these he is “the voice of one crying out in the desert, make straight the way
of the Lord.”
John is a preparer. John is a person of
hope. John is pointing the way to Christmas and to our relationship with God. If
we believe, if we have faith, then what is it we are looking for out of life?
What do we expect from our relationship with God? Can we find joy in it? Are we
prepared, are we ready, can we be patient and let the story, let the journey
play out?
Yes, Christmas is coming it will be here
in eleven days. We must continue to prepare by praying, by giving thanks, by
keeping the gift of the joy alive, by living in the moment. Can we rejoice in
the hope the God is always near?
Have a great Sunday everyone!
Daily Prayer: Loving God,
help us take on the Advent work of restoring our lives to the meaning and joy
for which we were created. Lead by the spirit of the Eternal Shepherd grace us
with the strength of renewing our lives by focusing on compassion, forgiveness
and justice the foundation on which your Kingdom is built. Amen!
A Runner's Thoughts: “Run when you
can, walk if you have to, crawl if you must; just never give up.” (Dean Karnazes) Always live by faith and have
hope!
Daily Blessing: Advent Sunday
blessings to all! I will be home most of the day continuing to decorate the
house for Christmas. My project today is to put up the Christmas tree which I
bought on Thursday. I will also be preparing to celebrate mass this evening at
St. Malachy’s. I have the 6 pm mass this evening and I am looking forward to
journeying into Manhattan and spending some time with the faith community at 49th
and Broadway!
Last night I attended a wonderful opera
entitled “Amahl and the Night Visitors.” I was performed at St. Francis de
Sales Parish in Manhattan as a benefit for the Passionist mission in Haiti. It
is a beautiful story and the performance was excellent! On a personal note it
was a nice evening of song, prayer and reflection on the journey to Christmas. But
more importantly it raised some money for the much needed and hope filled
ministry of the Passionists in Haiti!
On this Third Sunday of Advent I use St.
Paul’s words from our second reading today as my prayer of blessing for all of
you - May the God of peace make us perfectly holy and may we entirely, spirit,
soul, and body, be preserved blameless for the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.
May God bless us with the strength to pray unceasingly, with thankfulness and
joy in our hearts! May our Good and Faithful God continue to bless us with the
joy and hope of this wonderful season. Have a great day and remember to give
God a little of your time today! Peace in Christ's Passion...Fr. Paul
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