Saturday of the Second Week of Advent
Our Lady of Guadalupe
12 December
by Fr. Carl M. Frisch, OSST
Opening Prayer:
Lord God, you sent the Virgin Mary to the land Tepeyac
to announce your favor and blessing.
As you once blessed the people with Mary’s presence,
continue to bless us with your ever abiding peace,
comfort and support.
Help us to answer the call of being your disciples at all times
and in all places.
We ask this through Christ our Lord.
Amen
Excerpts from Father Virgilio P. Elizondo:
The very intimate and life-giving encounter between Our Lady and the native Juan Diego took place at the darkest and most painful moment of hemispheric history. It was a moment of death. Millions of indigenous people were dying of plagues, diseases and harsh work.
Yet at the same time, something new was beginning. For several years Europeans were arriving in the new world. The subsequent birth of their children and inter marriage with indigenous peoples initiated the birth of the new “American race.” Very soon, Africans would be brought into the mix. This mestizaje is great biologically and culturally, but most difficult and painful socially and psychologically.
It is amazing that Guadalupe appeared when the culture and the people were being annihilated and, like the Incarnation, offers hope in the midst of one of the darkest moments in history. In the midst of this confusion and death, Our Lady with a mestiza face encounters the native Juan Diego in 1531 at Tepeyac, the sacred site of the ancient mother goddess Tonanzin. The Lady requests a home for all the inhabitants of this land. She introduces herself as the mother of the Christian God and linked to the native deities—totally unthinkable to any of the religious thinkers of that period and even of today!
What the missionaries were trying to destroy, she affirms. What the natives could not comprehend, she explains. What neither could grasp, she reveals. She purifies the native religions of the need for human sacrifice, but equally calls the Church itself to conversion by offering love and compassion instead of cruel punishment and eternal damnation—which was the common Christian preaching of that time. She invited both the native people and the Church to a profound conversion to something new, and as such gave birth to both the new Church and the new humanity of the continent.
The greatest ongoing force of Guadalupe is not her apparition on the tilma of Juan Diego, or even the healing of the dying uncle Juan Bernardino and the many subsequent healing miracles down to our own days. It is rather how she “lifted up the lowly” (Luke 1:52) as Juan Diego and millions after him are transformed from crushed, self-defacing and silenced persons into confident, self-assured and joyful messengers and artisans of God’s plan for America.
Out of the Guadalupe-Juan Diego-Bishop Zumárraga encounter, the new Church is born—not a mere continuation of the old Church of Europe or merely a Christian veneer over old native religious practices, but a new Church born of the biological, cultural, linguistic, religious and spiritual encounter of the so-called Old World and New World. Through her, opposing differences are reconciled, integrated and synthesized into a new and fascinating unity.
Furthermore, she transforms the attitudes of contempt and scorn different peoples tend to have for each other into new ones of respect and admiration. Her mestiza face, body and dress mirror the new face and body of America while her message proclaims the very soul of this new creation. Truly she is the mother of the new creation in the making which we call America!
http://www.americancatholic.org/Messenger/Dec1999/feature2.asp
All of us are products of this new culture and church that represent a mix of the old and the new. The faith and traditions that our ancestors brought from the old world have been transformed over the last 500+ years. We can ask ourselves about our fidelity to this great gift that has been given to us. Are we ready to continue carrying the torch of faith into the next decade, to future generations, and to those who do not yet know Christ?
As we contemplate and digest this great task of continuing the life of the Church here in the Americas, we can take comfort in Mary’s everlasting presence with us. Our Blessed Mother has always been with Christ and support the spread of the Word. She likewise continues to be present with us and for us. As the Patroness of the Americas, Our Lady of Guadalupe stands as a shining light for us in a world that needs guidance and seeks meaning. She shows us how to remain hopeful at all times, how to faithfully follow Christ, and how to stand strong in the face of difficulty.
Reflection Questions:
1. Have you experienced the full diversity of the Church in the U.S.
2. What are some challenges to fully integrating this diversity and celebrating it?
3. Imagine some ways that the Church is still maturing, growing, expanding?
4. What diverse experiences of culture and faith would you bring to a religious community?
Closing Prayer:
God of power and might,
we thank you for the support and example of your Blessed Mother.
May her prayers help all women and men
to accept each other as brothers and sisters.
Instill your justice in our hearts
and may your peace reign in our world.
We ask this through Christ our Lord.
Amen
Saturday, December 12, 2009
Friday, December 11, 2009
Experiencing God's Bounty
Thursday of the First Week of Advent
December 3
Fr. Carl M. Frisch, OSST
Readings:
Isaiah 25: 6-10
Matthew 15: 29-37
Opening Prayer:
Father, all-powerful God, your eternal Word took flesh on our earth when the Virgin Mary placed her life at the service of your plan. Lift our minds in watchful hope to hear the voice which announces his glory and open our minds to receive the Spirit who prepares us for his coming. We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen.
Reflection:
These familiar Advent readings today speak to us about the bounty of blessings that God offers to us. On the one hand, the book of Isaiah speaks about the overall vision of goodness, blessing and bounty that God offers to us. This ideal of perfection that God establishes is one that recreates all things according to God’s original intent. And when the people experience this act of renewal they respond, “This is the Lord for whom we have looked; let us rejoice and be glad that he has saved us!”
On the other hand the Gospel of Matthew recalls the story of Jesus feeding the multitude. This story moves us from the ideal to the actual. We see Jesus responding in love to the people around him. As Christ spends time with them, (three days), he knows them and his heart was moved with pity for them; and Christ wants to satisfy their needs. They are hungry and in need of food. So in the blessing and breaking of the bread we see the bounty and richness of God physically poured out upon the people.
Try to incorporate these two realities or realms of God’s blessing into your own life. What are some of the ideals and overall concepts that you have for God? In what way or ways does God represent perfection or the absolute for you? Now think of how you actually experience a taste of that perfection and majesty of God in your daily life. How do you work towards a greater experience of God in your life, faith and surroundings?
In this season of renewal and hopeful expectation, pray that your desire to know and experience God’s grace in your life will be enkindled. Ask God for that deeper experience of his life that you know is possible, work to expand and deepen your connection with God on a daily basis.
Closing Prayer:
Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, ever faithful to your promises and ever close to your Church: the earth rejoices in hope of the Savior's coming and looks forward with longing to his return at the end of time. Prepare our hearts and remove the sadness that hinders us from feeling the joy and hope which his presence will bestow, for he is Lord forever and ever. Amen.
December 3
Fr. Carl M. Frisch, OSST
Readings:
Isaiah 25: 6-10
Matthew 15: 29-37
Opening Prayer:
Father, all-powerful God, your eternal Word took flesh on our earth when the Virgin Mary placed her life at the service of your plan. Lift our minds in watchful hope to hear the voice which announces his glory and open our minds to receive the Spirit who prepares us for his coming. We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen.
Reflection:
These familiar Advent readings today speak to us about the bounty of blessings that God offers to us. On the one hand, the book of Isaiah speaks about the overall vision of goodness, blessing and bounty that God offers to us. This ideal of perfection that God establishes is one that recreates all things according to God’s original intent. And when the people experience this act of renewal they respond, “This is the Lord for whom we have looked; let us rejoice and be glad that he has saved us!”
On the other hand the Gospel of Matthew recalls the story of Jesus feeding the multitude. This story moves us from the ideal to the actual. We see Jesus responding in love to the people around him. As Christ spends time with them, (three days), he knows them and his heart was moved with pity for them; and Christ wants to satisfy their needs. They are hungry and in need of food. So in the blessing and breaking of the bread we see the bounty and richness of God physically poured out upon the people.
Try to incorporate these two realities or realms of God’s blessing into your own life. What are some of the ideals and overall concepts that you have for God? In what way or ways does God represent perfection or the absolute for you? Now think of how you actually experience a taste of that perfection and majesty of God in your daily life. How do you work towards a greater experience of God in your life, faith and surroundings?
In this season of renewal and hopeful expectation, pray that your desire to know and experience God’s grace in your life will be enkindled. Ask God for that deeper experience of his life that you know is possible, work to expand and deepen your connection with God on a daily basis.
Closing Prayer:
Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, ever faithful to your promises and ever close to your Church: the earth rejoices in hope of the Savior's coming and looks forward with longing to his return at the end of time. Prepare our hearts and remove the sadness that hinders us from feeling the joy and hope which his presence will bestow, for he is Lord forever and ever. Amen.
Thursday, December 10, 2009
Strength from the Almighty
Thursday of the Second Week of Advent
11 Dec
by Fr. Kurt Klismet, OSST
Opening prayer:
Almighty Father,
give us the joy of your love
to prepare the way for Christ our Lord.
Help us to serve you and one another.
We ask this through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son,
who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit,
one God, for ever and ever.
Reflection:
We often hear messages stating, “You can do anything you set your mind to” or “You have the power within you to succeed.” Our society constantly tells us that independence is more important than inter-dependence and that utter dependence is considered a sign of weakness and the realm of fools. If this were the case, we would have no need of God. However, the day to day experiences of life quickly make us aware of how dependent we truly are. This is not a reason for despair, because our God never stops telling us, “Fear not, and I will help you.” (Is 41:13)
Not only will God help us, but He seeks a deeper relationship with us. Therefore, God sent his Son to dwell among us and the Holy Spirit to dwell within us. Sadly, many in our world do not recognize Christ in their midst. They simply pass by the countless opportunities to know God’s infinite love and mercy in the same way we rush through a crowded street…avoiding even eye contact with others.
Similarly, many are satisfied with a superficial life…an exterior life…in which they never take time for interior recollection, and thus they never get in touch with God. The Lord waits for us in the quiet recesses of the soul, but we often busy ourselves with the things of this world and thus fail to recollect and discover the Divine abode.
There are times when we feel as if we are helpless. The circumstances of life seem to overwhelm us. We may even feel that we are sinking fast, and there is nothing that can save us. However, we need not despair. In fact, we should not despair! God is always looking out for our well-being.
The prophet Isaiah reminds the people of Israel that despite their apparent lack of worldly power, they need not fear. The Lord speaks to them saying, “I, the God of Israel, will not forsake them.” Likewise in our own time and place, those who embrace Christ need not worry. The Lord will not forsake those He has won with his own blood.
During the Season of Advent, we are invited to recognize that we are utterly dependent on God for salvation. In doing so, we will be able to surrender to God control over every aspect of our lives and then experience true freedom.
Closing prayer:
Father,
may our communion
teach us to love heaven.
May its promise and hope
guide our way on earth.
We ask this through Christ our Lord.
Wednesday, December 9, 2009
Hearts Open to Love
Wednesday of the Second Week of Advent
December 9
by Fr. Charles Flood, OSST
Readings: Isaiah 40:25-31; Luke 11:28-30.
Opening Prayer:
We come to you, Father, with Advent hope. This hope is born from our faith in your love for us right now. Help us always to have confidence in that love. We make this prayer through Jesus Christ your Son, who lives, and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God forever and ever.
Reflection:
I must confess that I am a bit of a workaholic. I love to be busy doing God’s work! So, it is a challenge for me to reflect upon readings such as we have this day. What work were the people of Israel doing when the wonderful words of second Isaiah were spoken to them? These words promise that God would be with them and restore them in spite of themselves! God would do it because of His love for them! All that they really had to do is to return that love. The workaholics among them must have been very frustrated indeed!
The problem, of course, is not with doing work for the Lord. Rather, it is when we begin to believe that we are earning God’s love by our work. This is never so with God’s love, nor with any true love. Love is always a gift; we are asked to receive it with hearts that are both grateful and humble. This is one of the great challenges of this Advent Season, to come to more fully open our hearts to a love that we have not earned, that we could never earn, that we do not need to earn. However, we are asked to respond to this love. It is this response that leads us to the work that we do for God. Thus, our work flows from the fact that we are loved, as we are, sometimes even despite ourselves. It was this love that called the people of Israel forth from exile; it is that same love that still calls to us today.
Reflection Questions:
1. How have I experienced love as a gift?
2. Have I ever bee to “busy” to love?
3. Do I believe that God loves me “as I am? “
Closing Prayer:
Send us, Father, as agents of your love. Help us to be signs of that love to those we meet each day. Let the work we do be to bring your love to a waiting world. We ask this through Christ our Lord.
December 9
by Fr. Charles Flood, OSST
Readings: Isaiah 40:25-31; Luke 11:28-30.
Opening Prayer:
We come to you, Father, with Advent hope. This hope is born from our faith in your love for us right now. Help us always to have confidence in that love. We make this prayer through Jesus Christ your Son, who lives, and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God forever and ever.
Reflection:
I must confess that I am a bit of a workaholic. I love to be busy doing God’s work! So, it is a challenge for me to reflect upon readings such as we have this day. What work were the people of Israel doing when the wonderful words of second Isaiah were spoken to them? These words promise that God would be with them and restore them in spite of themselves! God would do it because of His love for them! All that they really had to do is to return that love. The workaholics among them must have been very frustrated indeed!
The problem, of course, is not with doing work for the Lord. Rather, it is when we begin to believe that we are earning God’s love by our work. This is never so with God’s love, nor with any true love. Love is always a gift; we are asked to receive it with hearts that are both grateful and humble. This is one of the great challenges of this Advent Season, to come to more fully open our hearts to a love that we have not earned, that we could never earn, that we do not need to earn. However, we are asked to respond to this love. It is this response that leads us to the work that we do for God. Thus, our work flows from the fact that we are loved, as we are, sometimes even despite ourselves. It was this love that called the people of Israel forth from exile; it is that same love that still calls to us today.
Reflection Questions:
1. How have I experienced love as a gift?
2. Have I ever bee to “busy” to love?
3. Do I believe that God loves me “as I am? “
Closing Prayer:
Send us, Father, as agents of your love. Help us to be signs of that love to those we meet each day. Let the work we do be to bring your love to a waiting world. We ask this through Christ our Lord.
Tuesday, December 8, 2009
God's Grace Quietly at Work
Tuesday of the Second Week of Advent
Immaculate Conception
December 8
by Fr. Carl M. Frisch, OSST
Opening Prayer:
Lord God, you bless us in this life with many blessings and graces. Help us remain attentive to the many outpouring of your life upon us, that we may respond with generous and loving hearts. May we have the strength to live the life of grace and holiness you desire for us.
We ask this in the name of Jesus our Lord and redeemer, who lives and reigns with the Father and the Holy Spirit, one God for ever and ever, Amen.
Reflection:
The Feast of the Immaculate Conception is a celebration that often gets overloaded with many interpretations and ideas. While many associate this day with the conception of Christ in the Virgin’s womb, others think that Mary was conceived in her mother’s womb by the power of the Holy Spirit. Because of these misinterpretations, this day offers some good opportunities for catechesis and deeper learning about our Catholic faith.
The real point of today’s celebration is that from the time of Mary’s natural conception, her soul was immaculate. From the beginning of her life in the womb and the natural formation of her body and soul, Mary was without sin. This explains why the angel Gabriel greets her by saying, “Hail, full of grace, the Lord is with you.” From the beginning, God intended to have Mary play a vital role in the course of salvation history. She would be the one worthy enough to bear the Son of God in her womb and bring God’s gift of redemption to us.
Consider for a moment the passive and mysterious aspect of Mary living this reality in her life. Up until the moment of the Gabriel’s visit, her holy state, and divine mission were unknown to her. How could she have known that God had already blessed her with such a powerful gift? We believe that throughout her life she remained free from sin and did not tarnish her soul, but did she realize the depth and significance of living an outstanding life of holiness? The care, discipline and love of her parents were certainly instrumental in the living out of this holy vocation, but again, the fullness of this holy life remained a mystery.
Let us reflect on the words of Luke, chapter 1:26:
In the sixth month, 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, favored one! 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 13 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.
In your vocation discernment you have heard the invitation from God to follow him and serve his Church. God has blessed you in a special way with this calling and the ability to even consider this path for your future. A significant challenge in vocation discernment is to move beyond questions of why, and consider how God has called you. What foundations of faith have already been laid out in your life? How have you already grown in God’s grace or experienced a development of holiness in your life? The process of discernment invites you to begin making connections between the ever abiding presence of God in your life and the future that God is offering.
In the same way that the Virgin Mary’s life was always immaculate and full of grace, so may you discover the ways God has been silently working in your life. May your journey of faith continue to be holy and bring you to understand God’s great plan for your life.
Closing Prayer:
God our creator, your almighty hand is forever at work in our lives. Help us to follow you with a full and undivided heart, so that we may accept the call that you give us and know the fullness of your grace in our lives. We ask this through Christ our Lord, Amen
Immaculate Conception
December 8
by Fr. Carl M. Frisch, OSST
Opening Prayer:
Lord God, you bless us in this life with many blessings and graces. Help us remain attentive to the many outpouring of your life upon us, that we may respond with generous and loving hearts. May we have the strength to live the life of grace and holiness you desire for us.
We ask this in the name of Jesus our Lord and redeemer, who lives and reigns with the Father and the Holy Spirit, one God for ever and ever, Amen.
Reflection:
The Feast of the Immaculate Conception is a celebration that often gets overloaded with many interpretations and ideas. While many associate this day with the conception of Christ in the Virgin’s womb, others think that Mary was conceived in her mother’s womb by the power of the Holy Spirit. Because of these misinterpretations, this day offers some good opportunities for catechesis and deeper learning about our Catholic faith.
The real point of today’s celebration is that from the time of Mary’s natural conception, her soul was immaculate. From the beginning of her life in the womb and the natural formation of her body and soul, Mary was without sin. This explains why the angel Gabriel greets her by saying, “Hail, full of grace, the Lord is with you.” From the beginning, God intended to have Mary play a vital role in the course of salvation history. She would be the one worthy enough to bear the Son of God in her womb and bring God’s gift of redemption to us.
Consider for a moment the passive and mysterious aspect of Mary living this reality in her life. Up until the moment of the Gabriel’s visit, her holy state, and divine mission were unknown to her. How could she have known that God had already blessed her with such a powerful gift? We believe that throughout her life she remained free from sin and did not tarnish her soul, but did she realize the depth and significance of living an outstanding life of holiness? The care, discipline and love of her parents were certainly instrumental in the living out of this holy vocation, but again, the fullness of this holy life remained a mystery.
Let us reflect on the words of Luke, chapter 1:26:
In the sixth month, 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, favored one! 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 13 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.
In your vocation discernment you have heard the invitation from God to follow him and serve his Church. God has blessed you in a special way with this calling and the ability to even consider this path for your future. A significant challenge in vocation discernment is to move beyond questions of why, and consider how God has called you. What foundations of faith have already been laid out in your life? How have you already grown in God’s grace or experienced a development of holiness in your life? The process of discernment invites you to begin making connections between the ever abiding presence of God in your life and the future that God is offering.
In the same way that the Virgin Mary’s life was always immaculate and full of grace, so may you discover the ways God has been silently working in your life. May your journey of faith continue to be holy and bring you to understand God’s great plan for your life.
Closing Prayer:
God our creator, your almighty hand is forever at work in our lives. Help us to follow you with a full and undivided heart, so that we may accept the call that you give us and know the fullness of your grace in our lives. We ask this through Christ our Lord, Amen
Monday, December 7, 2009
The Messiah Who Redeems Us
December 7
Monday of the Second Week of Advent
Fr. Damon Geiger, OSST
Opening Prayer:
Let our prayer rise like incense before you, Lord, so that we may come in humility and purity of heart to celebrate the mystery of Your Son’s redeeming incarnation. We ask this through the same Christ our Lord.
Reflection
Notice that the first reading speaks of the Messiah who is to come as one who wants to free people so that they can be fully alive as God intended, released from all types of paralysis. Even nature is to rejoice in that gift of freedom.
The coming Redeemer is to fulfill that. In the Gospel we see Jesus doing this prophesied ministry. He sets a man free – but He goes first to heal the root of all paralysis: sin. The name given to Christ is Jesus: God saves. It is a total redeeming, from the roots out.
Notice also that it was others that brought the man to Jesus. The Gospel says “When Jesus saw their [men carrying the stretcher of the paralytic] faith”…He freed the man. You have that same ability and power to bring people to Jesus to be redeemed.
The saint we remember, Ambrose, who lived in the Fourth Century, did exactly what those men did. By his teaching, pastoral activity and admonitions he freed people to live in the Lord. Especially memorable is his work of bringing St. Augustine to the truth, setting Augustine free from the paralysis of his arrogant philosophizing and stubborn clinging to his own opinions and lifestyle so that he became one of the greatest doctors of the Western Church.
The Trinitarians are specifically impassioned with the desire to free people from all types of paralysis – this is part and parcel of the Order’s identity, life and mission.
Reflection Questions
As prepare for celebration of the birth/manifestation of Redeemer, are their areas in my life where I am still in captivity? Can I bring them to the Lord in prayer, naming them and asking for greater faith and deliverance?
Are their people around me [family, friends, fellow workers or students] who are suffering some type of paralysis, or blindness, etc. whom I can somehow bring to the Lord this Advent. Can I do it through prayer, through example, through invitation, through conversation, through charitable deeds? Jesus seeing my faith will be moved to help them.
Closing Prayer
Lord God, You made Saint Ambrose a teacher of the Catholic Faith, a pattern of apostolic fortitude and a model of concern for the freedom of his brothers and sisters. Raise up in Your Church today men and women after Your own heart to lead Your people with wisdom and strength. Grant this through Christ our Lord.
Monday of the Second Week of Advent
Fr. Damon Geiger, OSST
Opening Prayer:
Let our prayer rise like incense before you, Lord, so that we may come in humility and purity of heart to celebrate the mystery of Your Son’s redeeming incarnation. We ask this through the same Christ our Lord.
Reflection
Notice that the first reading speaks of the Messiah who is to come as one who wants to free people so that they can be fully alive as God intended, released from all types of paralysis. Even nature is to rejoice in that gift of freedom.
The coming Redeemer is to fulfill that. In the Gospel we see Jesus doing this prophesied ministry. He sets a man free – but He goes first to heal the root of all paralysis: sin. The name given to Christ is Jesus: God saves. It is a total redeeming, from the roots out.
Notice also that it was others that brought the man to Jesus. The Gospel says “When Jesus saw their [men carrying the stretcher of the paralytic] faith”…He freed the man. You have that same ability and power to bring people to Jesus to be redeemed.
The saint we remember, Ambrose, who lived in the Fourth Century, did exactly what those men did. By his teaching, pastoral activity and admonitions he freed people to live in the Lord. Especially memorable is his work of bringing St. Augustine to the truth, setting Augustine free from the paralysis of his arrogant philosophizing and stubborn clinging to his own opinions and lifestyle so that he became one of the greatest doctors of the Western Church.
The Trinitarians are specifically impassioned with the desire to free people from all types of paralysis – this is part and parcel of the Order’s identity, life and mission.
Reflection Questions
As prepare for celebration of the birth/manifestation of Redeemer, are their areas in my life where I am still in captivity? Can I bring them to the Lord in prayer, naming them and asking for greater faith and deliverance?
Are their people around me [family, friends, fellow workers or students] who are suffering some type of paralysis, or blindness, etc. whom I can somehow bring to the Lord this Advent. Can I do it through prayer, through example, through invitation, through conversation, through charitable deeds? Jesus seeing my faith will be moved to help them.
Closing Prayer
Lord God, You made Saint Ambrose a teacher of the Catholic Faith, a pattern of apostolic fortitude and a model of concern for the freedom of his brothers and sisters. Raise up in Your Church today men and women after Your own heart to lead Your people with wisdom and strength. Grant this through Christ our Lord.
Sunday, December 6, 2009
Prepare the Way for the Lord
Second Sunday of Advent
6 December
by Fr. Carl M. Frisch, OSST
Readings:
Phil 1: 4-6, 8-11
Lk 3: 1-6
Opening Prayer:
Lord God, once again you invite us to set aside all of our transgressions and return to you. In your infinite love, you desire that we live as one with you and become the holy people you have designed us to be; people who reflect your goodness and love. Come to our aid in the Advent season, so that the good works you have begun in us may be brought to completion.
We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen
Reflection:
On this second Sunday of Advent we hear John the Baptist’s proclamation:
“Prepare the way of the Lord, make straight his paths. Every valley shall be filled and every mountain and hill shall be made low. The winding roads shall be made straight, and the rough ways made smooth, and all flesh shall see the salvation of God.”
John the Baptist announces that the Lord is coming and he is bringing God’s salvation. Notice that he does not tell us God’s vengeance, wrath or judgement are on the horizon, rather, we are about to receive the gift of God’s love. This gift of God’s life is so strong and so radiant that it will illuminate all places, reach to the highest points, and correct all errors. Who would or could refuse such a great gift?
Historically looking at this passage we know that the straightening of paths, leveling of streets and lowering of high points in a city, was the typical practice of preparing to receive a king. The people wanted the arrival and procession of the royal person through the city to take place on a smooth road, without unnecessary turns and without anything to obstruct his view. In other words, the people looked forward to the king’s arrival with great preparation, anticipation and excitement.
Shouldn’t we do the same in our own lives as we prepare to receive the infant Jesus? What do we have to fear? Why should we hide or retreat to an isolated place? As we approach the birth of Christ our Savior, we are preparing to receive the fullness of God’s life into our world and into our lives.
Advent provides us with an opportunity to fill in the holes, straighten the lines and take down the obstacles that inhibit us from knowing and celebrating God’s life. This is not a time to run and hide, but rather a time to open up, shake out the dust, and prepare a place for the infant Christ. Nothing will stop the birth of Jesus in our world; will He find room in our hearts?
Reflection Questions:
1) What difficulties or burdens do we carry in our hearts at this time? How can the innocence and love of the infant Jesus help you to forgive, renew, pardon or move on?
2) Consider one area of your personal life or faith that could use a little strengthening during this Advent season.
3) Name two or three concrete actions that will help you live a life of true peace and holiness.
Closing Prayer:
Heavenly Father, help us draw closer to you, trusting that you bring us life, renewal and peace. During this Advent season, may we trust in your promise of salvation and eternal life for those who trust in you and believe in you. Let the light of your radiance illuminate all areas of our life and faith.
We ask this in the name of Jesus, the Prince of Peace. Amen.
6 December
by Fr. Carl M. Frisch, OSST
Readings:
Phil 1: 4-6, 8-11
Lk 3: 1-6
Opening Prayer:
Lord God, once again you invite us to set aside all of our transgressions and return to you. In your infinite love, you desire that we live as one with you and become the holy people you have designed us to be; people who reflect your goodness and love. Come to our aid in the Advent season, so that the good works you have begun in us may be brought to completion.
We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen
Reflection:
On this second Sunday of Advent we hear John the Baptist’s proclamation:
“Prepare the way of the Lord, make straight his paths. Every valley shall be filled and every mountain and hill shall be made low. The winding roads shall be made straight, and the rough ways made smooth, and all flesh shall see the salvation of God.”
John the Baptist announces that the Lord is coming and he is bringing God’s salvation. Notice that he does not tell us God’s vengeance, wrath or judgement are on the horizon, rather, we are about to receive the gift of God’s love. This gift of God’s life is so strong and so radiant that it will illuminate all places, reach to the highest points, and correct all errors. Who would or could refuse such a great gift?
Historically looking at this passage we know that the straightening of paths, leveling of streets and lowering of high points in a city, was the typical practice of preparing to receive a king. The people wanted the arrival and procession of the royal person through the city to take place on a smooth road, without unnecessary turns and without anything to obstruct his view. In other words, the people looked forward to the king’s arrival with great preparation, anticipation and excitement.
Shouldn’t we do the same in our own lives as we prepare to receive the infant Jesus? What do we have to fear? Why should we hide or retreat to an isolated place? As we approach the birth of Christ our Savior, we are preparing to receive the fullness of God’s life into our world and into our lives.
Advent provides us with an opportunity to fill in the holes, straighten the lines and take down the obstacles that inhibit us from knowing and celebrating God’s life. This is not a time to run and hide, but rather a time to open up, shake out the dust, and prepare a place for the infant Christ. Nothing will stop the birth of Jesus in our world; will He find room in our hearts?
Reflection Questions:
1) What difficulties or burdens do we carry in our hearts at this time? How can the innocence and love of the infant Jesus help you to forgive, renew, pardon or move on?
2) Consider one area of your personal life or faith that could use a little strengthening during this Advent season.
3) Name two or three concrete actions that will help you live a life of true peace and holiness.
Closing Prayer:
Heavenly Father, help us draw closer to you, trusting that you bring us life, renewal and peace. During this Advent season, may we trust in your promise of salvation and eternal life for those who trust in you and believe in you. Let the light of your radiance illuminate all areas of our life and faith.
We ask this in the name of Jesus, the Prince of Peace. Amen.
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