Daily Thoughts: In these last
days until Christmas we are reminded over and over how the Christmas story came
to be. We hear about Joseph’s dream and today the Mary’s encounter with the
angel Gabriel. Each story is a snap shot of the greater story of God’s human
presence in the world. In today’s Gospel (Luke 1:26-38) we are reminded that
Mary was truly a believer. Even though she did not know the full extent of her
“yes” she proclaimed it anyway. She trusted in God. She had faith and she
staked her life in the promise of God something Ahaz, in our first reading
(Isaiah 7:10-14) was unwilling to do.
Not having a clear vision of the road
ahead is not always an easy way to live. It demands trust, it demands faith,
and it demands a sense of hope in all that one does. Mary certain defines this
way of living. She did not know the implications of her “yes” but she had
trust, faith and lived by an unrelenting hope.
Several times this Advent I have used
this quote by Calvin Miller. It is from his book The Christ of Christmas:
Readings for Advent. I find it a wonderful way to think of the gift of Mary in
our life and so I share it with you again today – “We must look to Mary's
example to know how to deal with the glorious impossibilities of God. Look how
she turned the world upside down by making one simple statement.”
Mary’s one simple statement was “yes” to
God. Today we remember another moment from the Christmas story. It is a moment
that reminds us that if we trust, if we believe, if we live by hope we will
encounter God most often when we least expect it but always when we are most in
need!
Have a great day everyone!
Daily
Prayer:
Loving God, in the spirit of your handmaid, our mother Mary, we pray - Behold
your servants, O God – May what you ask of us be lived out by us according to
your word, your invitation, your will. Today God, we say “yes” to you! Amen.
(Adapted from Mary’s Prayer to the angel Gabriel)
A Runner’s Thoughts: “I run because it's my passion, and not just
a sport. Every time I walk out the door, I know why I'm going where I'm going
and I'm already focused on that special place where I find my peace and
solitude. Running, to me, is more than just a physical exercise... it's a
consistent reward for victory!” (Sasha Azevedo, actress) I think this quote
from Sasha Azevedo not only helps us to understand running but also faith. We
believe not because we were born into a religion, a faith community but because
we have a passion for our relationship with God. When we wake up in the morning
we might not know where we are going or what the day will bring but because we
believe, because we have faith we are ready to face the day. Throughout our
journey we look for places of solitude and peace, perhaps when we run. We also
look for places of love and community. Faith is more than just an obligation…it
is our breath, our way of life!
Daily Blessing: Happy Saturday
everyone! I am a little late today with my postings because I had a funeral
this morning for a Sister of Charity who died this week and who was very
supportive of me when I would celebrate mass at the Convent of Mount St.
Vincent. Sr. Maria Therese was a very fine woman and her baptismal name was
Rita, which made her special in my book. I was honored to celebrate her mass of
resurrection this morning and I trust God welcomed her home as a good and
faithful servant to share his joy!
Yes, the last weekend before Christmas.
I hope this finds you not too busy with last minute shopping or preparations.
For those who will be traveling during these next few days please be safe and
if you can give yourselves a little extra time. I know that in certain parts of
the country there is a chance for bad weather over the next week. We here in Pelham will get some rain and
milder temperatures before Christmas that least that is what the weather people
are saying. I hope over the next week you all will be able to get where you are
going and settle in for a blessed and holy Christmas celebration with people
you love.
Because tomorrow is Sunday we will miss
beautiful story of Mary’s visit to Elizabeth that is usually read on December
21st. So for today’s Daily Blessing I will call upon the spirits
Mary and Elizabeth to focus us and remind us throughout this day that God is
always with us. Loving God bless us all this day with the echoes of Elizabeth’s
words to Mary, “How does it happen that the mother of my Lord, should come to
me?” Make these words our own today God for by your blessing of creation we all
carry around in us the gift of your presence. May the story of Mary and
Elizabeth remind us of your presence in our lives and give us the strength to
give your gift to everyone we encounter today and always. May God bless us all
today. Have a great Saturday everyone! Peace in Christ’s Passion…Fr. Paul
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