Daily Thoughts: On this First Sunday of Advent I find one of my
favorite lines of Scripture in today's Gospel. "But when these signs
happen, stand erect and raise your heads because your redemption is at
hand." Now this might seem strange to you, and I have to say I might not
say it in the same words, but I believe what Jesus is getting at is to be
hopeful, confident and proud (good kind of pride) in your faith, in your
relationship with God. I might say it this way, "Stand up straight, stick
out your chest, hold your head high be ready for God's presence in your
life!"
A number of years ago, when Pope Benedict was still pope,
there was a synod of bishops in Rome that focused on the New Evangelization.
During the synod one of the cardinals said that we need this New Evangelization
because we are embarrassed by our faith. Now upon hearing this I took offence.
I have never been embarrassed by my faith. I have been embarrassed by some of
our leadership at times. I have been embarrassed by the institution at times. I
have been embarrassed by the actions of some of the people with the Church at
times. I have even been embarrassed by my own actions at times but I have never
been embarrassed by my faith, my belief in God and my relationship with God, my
membership in the Church and the Body of Christ. When it has come to my faith,
I have always want to stand up straight, with my chest out and my head held
high and believe!
Advent is a new beginning, a time of hopefulness, a time to
look at the trials, tribulations, struggles, disappointments, difficulties of
life and say I believe! To say we believe! As we begin our journey through
Advent may we take the words of the scriptures to heart today and everyday
throughout this Advent Season and make ready to "Believe" once again
in our Faithful and Loving God!
Have a great Sunday everyone and don’t forget to give God a
little of your time today.
Daily Prayer: Come, long-expected Jesus. Excite in us a wonder
at the wisdom and power of your Father and ours. Receive our prayer as part of our
service of the Lord who enlists us in God's own work for justice.
Come, long-expected Jesus. Excite in us a hunger for peace:
peace in the world, peace in our homes, and peace in ourselves.
Come, long-expected Jesus. Excite in us a joy responsive to God's
joy. We seek God’s will so we can serve with gladness, joy, hope, and love.
Come, long-expected Jesus. Excite in us the joy and love and
peace that is right to bring to the manger of our Lord. Enliven in us, too,
sober reverence for the God who acted there, hearty gratitude for the life
begun there, and spirited resolution to serve the Father, Son and Holy Spirit.
We pray in the name of Jesus Christ, whose advent we hail.
Amen. (Adapted from a traditional Advent
Prayer)
A Runner’s Thoughts: “As a runner, you have to face the truth
about yourself on a regular basis, and it makes you more honest. You can't
pretend to be faster than you are. You can't pretend that you are better
prepared than you are. You cannot pretend to be a runner, you actually have to
run.” (John Bingham) So to in the
spiritual life… You cannot pretend to be a person of faith, you actually have
to live your faith!
Daily Blessing: Sunday blessings and greetings to all and happy
Advent! Yes, today we begin a new Church Year with the Season of Advent, a
season that helps us prepare for the great feast of Christmas. A season that
helps us pause in the midst of our journey of life to remember how things began
and to where and what this journey of life is all about. I hope you will have a
blessed and holy Advent this year, one that will enliven you with joy and hope
for your journey ahead.
It is a rainy morning here in Fairfax, VA and I anticipate a
rain drive back to New York later today. I cannot complain as the weather here
has been beautiful the last few days which has made this year’s Thanksgiving a
wonder celebration. I hope the weather by you is better today especially if you
are traveling. Travel safe no matter what the weather!
Today as we begin this New Year, this journey of Advent once
again I pray for God’s blessing upon all of us. I pray that God will bless all
of us with the wonder and awe of God’s presence during this wonderful season
and always. I pray that God will bless us with the wonders of His mercy, hope
and joy. I pray - O come, O come, Promised One of the ages. Come into our lives,
come into our work places, come into our faith communities, come into our
families, come into our homes, sit at our tables; dwell with joy in each of our
hearts. O come, O come, Emmanuel, and set our hearts, our faith on fire with
your mercy, joy, hope and love.
Have a blessed and holy First Sunday of Advent everyone! May
you find the time during this hope filled season to connect with God each day.
Peace in Christ’s Passion…Fr. Paul
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