Bishop Ireton 2022 Advent Reflection Booklet

THE2022BI SHOPI RETON ADVENTREFLECTI ON BOOKLET W RI TTEN BYTHEBIFACULTY& STAFF

The 2022 Bishop Ireton Advent Reflection Booklet Written by the BI Faculty and Staff

Thank you to all the contributors. May God bless you as you read and reflect on His word this Advent season.

Opening Message

By Kathleen McNutt, Head of School Dear Bishop Ireton Community, Advent is a beautiful time for reflection: a time to spiritually prepare for Christ’s birth, to affirm His love and grace, and to share the hope of His coming with people that we encounter. This booklet of daily reflections for Advent has been thoughtfully written and prepared by Bishop Ireton High School faculty and staff members to assist in our Christmas preparations, and to ponder the deeper meaning of Jesus’ coming. We invite you to follow along with us each Sunday, as we reflect on the week’s readings and listen to God’s message of hope and light. Jesus is the Light “that shines in the darkness and the darkness has not overcome it” (John 1:5), and that light is the reason for the season of joy and celebration. As we prepare our campus on Cambridge Road with decorations, trees and lights for Christmas, let us remember to reflect and recommit ourselves to be Christ for one another while also sharing in some Cardinal spirit.

I pray in a special way for all of you and for the entire Bishop Ireton community during this season of Advent. Let us welcome the Christ child with the Salesian virtues of humility, gentleness, kindness and joy.

God Bless and Live Jesus,

Kathleen McNutt Head of School

Opening Salesian Advent Reflection

By Father Donald Heet, OSFS When we think of Advent, several biblical characters come to mind: Mary, of course; Joseph; John the Baptist; perhaps Elizabeth and Zachariah. But there is another figure who is featured prominently in the readings we hear at Mass throughout Advent: the prophet Isaiah. Isaiah lived some 700 years before the birth of Jesus. It was a critical and threatening time for the Kingdom of Judah and its capital city Jerusalem. The superpower of the age was the empire of Assyria who had conquered and destroyed the northern kingdom of Israel and posed a real threat to the southern kingdom of Judah. To make matters worse, a number of Judah’s kings were corrupt and/or inept. It was Isaiah’s vocation to call the people of Judah back to a faithful practice of their faith, to threaten them with military disaster if they refused to repent, and to promise safety and happiness if they did turn away from their sinful ways. Although his prophecy was fulfilled imperfectly in his own time, in a real sense, these prophecies were and are fulfilled in the person of Jesus, and we look forward to their complete fulfillment at the second coming of Christ. So, for example, Isaiah predicts that the young girl would give birth to a child who would be known as Emmanuel and who would save his people; we see that prophecy fulfilled in the virginal conception and birth of Jesus. He also predicted that gentiles would be drawn to Jerusalem and be anxious to learn the truth about Judah’s God; we recognize the prophecy fulfilled as Christianity spread through the empire. And in one of his most beautiful prophecies, he sees a descendent of David who will establish God’s kingdom on earth, a new paradise where there will be no violence, where a young child could safely walk in the midst of wolves, leopards, snakes, lions and bears; in our own time we look forward to that kingdom won for us by the life, death and resurrection of Jesus.

That is what our Advent hope is all about. Every year, we look forward to our celebration of Jesus’ birth, but we know, in fact, that Christmas day will come on December 25. True Advent hope goes far beyond our annual celebration of Christmas. During the four weeks of Advent, together with our anticipation of celebrating the birth of Jesus, the church invites us to explore the mystery of the Incarnation in a deeper way. The prophecies of Isaiah can help us to do so.

The First Sunday of Advent First Reading Isaiah 2: 1-5 This is what Isaiah, son of Amoz, saw concerning Judah and Jerusalem. In days to come, The mountain of the LORD’s house shall be established as the highest mountain and raised above the hills. All nations shall stream toward it. Many peoples shall come and say, “Come, let us go up to the LORD’s mountain, to the house of the God of Jacob, That he may instruct us in his ways, and we may walk in his paths.” For from Zion shall go forth instruction, and the word of the LORD from Jerusalem. He shall judge between the nations, and set terms for many peoples. They shall beat their swords into plowshares and their pears into pruning hooks; One nation shall not raise the sword against another, nor shall they train for war again. House of Jacob, come, let us walk in the light of the LORD!

Reflection

By Father Noah Morey The Church’s Advent prayers and readings are replete with citations from Isaiah, who prophesies not only about the birth of the Messiah, but also the Suffering Servant, both fulfilled in Jesus Christ. In both Christian and Jewish theology, Isaiah is the most influential writing prophet of the Old Testament.

Prophesying 700 years before Christ, Isaiah foretells a hopeful vision to a people in exile: one day, against all odds, the Word of the Lord will bring peace to their war-torn region. A redeemed people will seek out the Lord on Mount Zion (Jerusalem, their holy city, the place of true worship).

We are accustomed to living in a nation with freedom and access to practice our faith. Yet imagine living in a place without a temple or heritage. How could God possibly be faithful and present to His people in a foreign land? Yet, God is always faithful. The Advent season is a microcosm of our life: we look forward not only to the presence of Jesus in time through His coming at Christmas, but also to possessing God forever in heaven. God will supersede our earthly limitations and expectations. Every time we receive the Eucharist, we have a foretaste of eternal glory. So each day, we welcome and experience the presence of God in our land, although currently “exiled” from our heavenly homeland. If tempted to succumb to discouragement when facing difficulties or God’s so-called “absence,” we have a hopeful message today from Isaiah, who reminds us that a time of peace is coming, the peace that the Lord alone can provide. Jesus is often called the Prince of Peace, so let us wait for the Lord with courage and walk in the light of the Lord!

Grant your faithful, we pray, almighty God, the resolve to run forth to meet your Christ with righteous deeds at his coming, so that, gathered at his right hand, they may be worthy to possess the heavenly Kingdom. Through Christ our Lord. Amen.

The First Sunday of Advent Responsorial Psalm Psalm 122: 1-9 A song of ascents. Of David.

I rejoiced when they said to me, “Let us go to the house of the LORD.” And now our feet are standing within your gates, Jerusalem.

Jerusalem, built as a city, walled round about.

There the tribes go up, the tribes of the LORD, As it was decreed for Israel, to give thanks to the name of the LORD. There are the thrones of justice, the thrones of the house of David.

For the peace of Jerusalem pray: “May those who love you prosper!

May peace be within your ramparts, prosperity within your towers.”

For the sake of my brothers and friends I say, “Peace be with you.”

For the sake of the house of the LORD, our God, I pray for your good.

Reflection

By Rebecca Vaccaro The antiphon for this Sunday's psalm issues an invitation: "Let us go rejoicing to the house of the Lord."

But what does it mean to 'rejoice'? What do people do when they 'rejoice'? Thankfully, the psalm for this week provides us some clear guidance: 1. Rejoicing is not a way of feeling, but a way of being, a mindset in which we go about our daily actions and one that is particularly imperative when we approach the Lord.

2. It is an indication of possibility, of hope for the future, of things that will come. As people of God, we, therefore, have an obligation to be a people that rejoices, if for no other reason than that our God offers us a home to which we can go.

3. It is a communal activity, brought about through relationships with others: friends, family, loved ones, strangers, all of whom say in different ways, "We will go up to the house of the Lord." We are all part of the Lord's tribe, a people of joy striving for compact unity through love and journeying together on the road of life.

4. Rejoicing is also a way of doing, an action that moves us to change and grow by allowing us to set foot within the walls of God's temple. As such, we are called to do the following: a. Give thanks: A relationship with God is an ever-offered opportunity. We do not earn or deserve this relationship; God offers it out of love. Thus, we can take daily opportunities to thank Him for His gift of love to us. b. Discern: God is a just judge and His house is His judgment seat. As a rejoicing people journeying to the Lord, we must discover loving, joyful ways to live and share those ways with others. c. Pray: Prayer is powerful, even if its might is often hidden from our immediate sight. It has the power to bring peace and prosperity to us as individuals, to our loved ones, and to the world. Ultimately, prayer is love. As God has loved us, so should we love and, therefore, pray for the good of others.

One of the beauties of Advent is that it is a time of rejoicing in a season of waiting, expectation, hope, and longing. In short, it is a time of joy. So, as the poet Christina Rossetti reflects on in her poem "UpHill" (1861), even though the journey often feels difficult, let us rejoice because God is drawing near and all that we have hoped for will one day be fulfilled.

Up-Hill (Christina Rossetti) Does the road wind up-hill all the way?

Yes, to the very end.

Will the day’s journey take the whole long day?

From morn to night, my friend.

Shall I meet other wayfarers at night?

Those who have gone before.

Then must I knock, or call when just in sight?

They will not keep you standing at that door.

But is there for the night a resting-place?

A roof for when the slow dark hours begin.

May not the darkness hide it from my face?

You cannot miss that inn.

Shall I find comfort, travel-sore and weak?

Of labour you shall find the sum.

Will there be beds for me and all who seek?

Yea, beds for all who come.

The First Sunday of Advent Second Reading Romans 13: 11-14 And do this because you know the time; it is the hour now for you to awake from sleep. For our salvation is nearer now than when we first believed; the night is advanced, the day is at hand. Let us then throw off the works of darkness [and] put on the armor of light; let us conduct ourselves properly as in the day, not in orgies and drunkenness, not in promiscuity and licentiousness, not in rivalry and jealousy. But put on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make no provision for the desires of the flesh.

Reflection

By Stephen Crooker As the holy day of Christmas approaches, the readings for the Catholic Church shift to remind us to begin to place our house in order for the coming of The Lord Jesus. Saint Paul ushers us to action letting the community of Rome know the hour of salvation is closer than we imagine, thus a greater need to prepare our hearts and souls for the Incarnation. Darkness of night is broken by the light of day; Jesus breaks the dawn from sin and death and awakens the soul to salvation. Be ready! The body demands much that can be sinful. We are called to overcome sin and embrace the Gospel, not reject it as the pagans would do.

The world is a busy place. We are fast preparing for so much it seems, often battling the calendar and clock for space, peace and time. Are we taking time to put our own house in good order for Christmas? If not, we have time. Seize the opportunity and embrace salvation, as Our Lord is coming soon!

My loving Jesus, like Saint Paul, I look forward and seek to choose You, this Advent, as my King and my God. I surrender myself to You and seek to put all my trust in Your tender care. Draw me close to You as your humble servant, free me from my sin so that I may love You with a pure and holy heart.

The First Sunday of Advent Gospel Reading Matthew 24: 37-44 For as it was in the days of Noah, so it will be at the coming of the Son of Man. In [those] days before the flood, they were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, up to the day that Noah entered the ark. They did not know until the flood came and carried them all away. So will it be [also] at the coming of the Son of Man. Two men will be out in the field; one will be taken, and one will be left. Two women will be grinding at the mill; one will be taken, and one will be left. Therefore, stay awake! For you do not know on which day your Lord will come. Be sure of this: if the master of the house had known the hour of night when the thief was coming, he would have stayed awake and not let his house be broken into. So too, you also must be prepared, for at an hour you do not expect, the Son of Man will come.

Reflection

By Betty Loia It’s not every day that one’s namesake is directly cited by the Savior of the world. So I always pay attention to this Gospel. Why does the Church begin the Advent season not with the first coming of Jesus in Bethlehem, but by the reality of His second coming at the end of the world? Because that is where human history is tending. Jesus likens his return to a thief in the night: “You also must be prepared, for at an hour you do not expect, the Son of Man will come.” We know neither the day nor the hour, but we do know He’s coming. Jesus gives another reminder to be vigilant and prepare now, while there’s still time. The people in Noah’s day were going about their daily business, completely unconcerned about the ways of God and the coming destruction. Instead, we should be like new parents who eagerly await the birth of a child, preparing our hearts and our home, knowing that our lives will never be the same after the birth of that child. How fitting that God became a child, which is something we can understand. Once Jesus has come into our world and into our hearts, our lives cannot remain the same! Being “vigilant” means keeping our spiritual senses attuned through daily prayer. It means having our hearts and minds focused on Jesus and ordering our decisions accordingly. Through the prayers of Our Lady, may we have the grace to prepare a place for Jesus in our lives this Advent, so that when He comes again, He may find us watchful in prayer and exultant in His praise.

The Second Sunday of Advent First Reading Isaiah 11: 1-10 But a shoot shall sprout from the stump of Jesse, and from his roots a bud shall blossom. The spirit of the LORD shall rest upon him: a spirit of wisdom and of understanding, A spirit of counsel and of strength, a spirit of knowledge and of fear of the LORD, and his delight shall be the fear of the LORD. Not by appearance shall he judge, nor by hearsay shall he decide, But he shall judge the poor with justice, and decide fairly for the land’s afflicted. He shall strike the ruthless with the rod of his mouth, and with the breath of his lips he shall slay the wicked. Justice shall be the band around his waist, and faithfulness a belt upon his hips. Then the wolf shall be a guest of the lamb, and the leopard shall lie down with the young goat; The calf and the young lion shall browse together, with a little child to guide them. The cow and the bear shall graze, together their young shall lie down; the lion shall eat hay like the ox. The baby shall play by the viper’s den, and the child lay his hand on the adder’s lair. They shall not harm or destroy on all my holy mountain; for the earth shall be filled with knowledge of the LORD, as water covers the sea. Restoration on that day, the root of Jesse, set up as a signal for the peoples—Him the nations will seek out; his dwelling shall be glorious.

Reflection

By Jane Hannon This beautiful reading from Isaiah foretells the coming of the Messiah in vivid, appealing images that transcend time and place. During the long, dark nights of December, the promise that “a shoot shall sprout from the stump of Jesse” encourages us to look forward to new life. We fervently await the time when “a spirit of wisdom and understanding” shall prevail and “hearsay” and “appearance” will lose their clout.

But perhaps the most challenging and hopeful lines speak of the abandonment of traditional enmities. A world in which “the wolf shall be a guest of the lamb” and “the calf and the young lion shall browse together, with a little child to guide them” inspires our longing. This is difficult to fathom in the here and now, but we remember that God has the power to upend established hierarchies and to heal entrenched divisions.

Lord Jesus during this Advent season, I look forward to Your coming with hope and gratitude. Please grant me the courage and stamina to pursue Your call to peace and justice. I rejoice in the promise of Your Kingdom. Amen.

The Second Sunday of Advent Responsorial Psalm Psalm 72: 1-2, 7-8, 12-13, 17 Of Solomon.

O God, give your judgment to the king; your justice to the king’s son; That he may govern your people with justice, your oppressed with right judgment, That abundance may flourish in his days, great bounty, till the moon be no more.

May he rule from sea to sea, from the river to the ends of the earth.

For he rescues the poor when they cry out, the oppressed who have no one to help.

He shows pity to the needy and the poor and saves the lives of the poor.

May his name be forever; as long as the sun, may his name endure.

May the tribes of the earth give blessings with his name; may all the nations regard him as favored.

Reflection

By Katie Rice Advent is a time of excitement for many of us. We might decorate our homes, listen to Christmas music, bake cookies, shop for gifts, and attend parties with friends. We might delight in these and other traditions, and look forward to a joyful, family-filled Christmas Day. As I’ve grown older, I still find excitement in the weeks leading up to Christmas; however, I will admit that the excitement of Advent is sometimes interrupted by sadness and feelings of loss. There are times, for example, when joy feels out of reach, and the music and laughter surrounding me are drowned out by my grief for family members no longer living. When I see the empty chair or two at the dinner table, when I am no longer searching for that perfect gift for those I’ve now lost, or when the family gathering is a little quieter than it used to be, I find it hard to share in the excitement of Christmas preparations.

Yet in the silence of prayer, God reminds me that I’ve been blessed with so many joyful Christmas memories; memories which can never be taken away. Starting this Advent, I can celebrate the love I’ve been given and pass that along to others. I can choose to make someone’s Christmas a meaningful one. I can create new traditions that focus on helping others and bring joy to those who desperately need it.

Lord, please continue to remind me of my responsibilities during the season of Advent. Grant me the ears to hear the cries of the poor and the eyes to see those in need. Help me dwell in the present by sharing the love bestowed on me in the past. Amen.

The Second Sunday of Advent Second Reading Romans 15: 4-9 For whatever was written previously was written for our instruction, that by endurance and by the encouragement of the scriptures we might have hope. May the God of endurance and encouragement grant you to think in harmony with one another, in keeping with Christ Jesus, that with one accord you may with one voice glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. God’s Fidelity and Mercy.

Welcome one another, then, as Christ welcomed you, for the glory of God. For I say that Christ became a minister of the circumcised to show God’s truthfulness, to confirm the promises to the patriarchs, but so that the Gentiles might glorify God for his mercy. As it is written: “Therefore, I will praise you among the Gentiles and sing praises to your name.”

Reflection

By Paige Johnson I grew up in a small town in Colorado, and my athletic, Navy Captain father took us cross country skiing at least a half dozen times a year. (Downhill skiing was, even then, prohibitively expensive, trendy, and in my dad’s words, “for sissies and phoneys.”) As the youngest and least athletic in the family, I hated it.

Cross country skiing is basically like being on a slippery elliptical machine in the snow, going over hills in below-freezing weather at a high altitude. Throw in asthma, some ill-fitting, itchy hand-me-downs, and a preference for staying indoors reading, and it was sometimes truly miserable.

That is, until the summit. Dad always took us on a trail with a summit, at which point he would stand on the top of the mountain, raise his ski poles in the air, and yell phrases ripped from biographies of Churchill and Teddy Roosevelt: “Never, ever, ever give up! We made it! Endurance pays off! We have triumphed!” Dad always went in for theatrics in the end, for my benefit I suspect, and it worked. The sun always broke through the clouds, my mom produced lunch from a backpack or at least a thermos of hot cocoa, and there was an astonishing view. I had survived, and felt a powerful closeness with my family, a camaraderie that only shared, difficult experiences can give.

There was method to my dad’s madness; he was teaching us to be tough, to work together, and to value the reward at the end of hard work. Roman’s Chapter 15 begins: “For everything that was written in the past was written to teach us, so that through the endurance taught in the Scriptures, and the encouragement they provide, we might have hope.” It goes on to refer to God as “the God of endurance and encouragement,” which appeals to me more than, say, “the God of patience and understanding,” or even “the God of love.” Endurance and encouragement are what you need when your dreams don’t quite work out the way you planned. Endurance and encouragement are what you need when you lose a baby, a parent, a friend, a job, and for a while there is an anvil sitting on your chest. And teaching!

Teaching is not for the faint of heart; endurance and encouragement are needed every single day.

The passage in Romans goes on: “May the God of endurance and encouragement grant you the same attitude of mind toward each other that Christ Jesus had, so that with one mind and voice you may glorify Him.” And that, it seems, is the point. Not survival, not just making it through hardship to see another day, and not even just getting to the summit. The point, it seems, is to grow in endurance so that, together, in one united voice, we can get to those summits and praise Him. Not alone; together.

The Second Sunday of Advent Gospel Reading Matthew 3: 1-12 In those days John the Baptist appeared, preaching in the desert of Judea [and] saying, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand!” It was of him that the prophet Isaiah had spoken when he said: “A voice of one crying out in the desert, ‘Prepare the way of the Lord, make straight his paths.’” John wore clothing made of camel’s hair and had a leather belt around his waist. His food was locusts and wild honey. At that time Jerusalem, all Judea, and the whole region around the Jordan were going out to him and were being baptized by him in the Jordan River as they acknowledged their sins. When he saw many of the Pharisees and Sadducees coming to his baptism, he said to them, “You brood of vipers! Who warned you to flee from the coming wrath? Produce good fruit as evidence of your repentance. And do not presume to say to yourselves, ‘We have Abraham as our father.’ For I tell you, God can raise up children to Abraham from these stones. Even now the ax lies at the root of the trees. Therefore, every tree that does not bear good fruit will be cut down and thrown into the fire. I am baptizing you with water, for repentance, but the one who is coming after me is mightier than I. I am not worthy to carry his sandals. He will baptize you with the holy Spirit and fire. His winnowing fan is in his hand. He will clear his threshing floor and gather his wheat into his barn, but the chaff he will burn with unquenchable fire.”

Reflection

By Nicole DiLorenzo In this reading, John the Baptist speaks of repenting. He says, “Repent, for the kingdom of Heaven is at hand!” He speaks to the Pharisees and Sadducees warning them to “flee from the coming wrath” and “produce good fruit as evidence of your repentance.” What does Matthew mean?

When we begin Advent, we often think of a new beginning, as we prepare for the birth of Jesus at Christmas. Similar to the time that Matthew was writing this, God was not happy with what was going on in the world. Not much has changed in that the world we live in today. It is full of conflict, turmoil and sin. If the second coming were to be upon us, we need to make sure we are in a position to accept God. John the Baptist wants us to look at ourselves and make sure that we are “producing good fruit.” He wants us living a faithful and honest life so that when God comes again we are prepared to accept God and “every tree that does not bear good fruit will be cut down and thrown into the fire.” If we do not live a good life, then we will risk going to Hell.

The Third Sunday of Advent First Reading Isaiah 35: 1-6a, 10 The wilderness and the parched land will exult; the Arabah will rejoice and bloom; Like the crocus it shall bloom abundantly, and rejoice with joyful song. The glory of Lebanon will be given to it, the splendor of Carmel and Sharon; They will see the glory of the LORD, the splendor of our God. Strengthen hands that are feeble, make firm knees that are weak, Say to the fearful of heart: Be strong, do not fear! Here is your God, he comes with vindication; With divine recompense he comes to save you. Then the eyes of the blind shall see, and the ears of the deaf be opened; Then the lame shall leap like a stag, and the mute tongue sing for joy. For waters will burst forth in the wilderness, and streams in the Arabah. And the ransomed of the LORD shall return, and enter Zion singing, crowned with everlasting joy; They meet with joy and gladness, sorrow and mourning flee away.

Reflection

By Kathleen McNutt There are times in our lives when we need a good pep talk. We’ve all had family members, friends, teachers and coaches who have provided us with the confidence to take a test, attend a try-out, apply for a job, or stay strong for a challenging event. Often, it was the words of such mentors that got us through difficulty or inspired us to go the distance, especially when we didn’t think we were strong enough. That’s the role of Isaiah in this week’s first reading, as he provides the Israelites with hope and encouragement, and most importantly the reminder to trust in God while they struggle in exile and captivity. Just like a great coach, Isaiah recognizes what the people need to hear, “Be strong, fear not!”.

As we continue through this Advent season, let us recognize those people in our lives who mentor us in faith and provide those words of encouragement when we need it most. Those people are Christ for us.

Let us use their example and strive to do the same - providing those pep talks to others, lifting our neighbor up, sharing a smile and a kind word, or praying for those in our community. Let us await the birth of the Savior with wonder and hope, encouraged that our efforts will lead to the glory of God.

The Third Sunday of Advent Responsorial Psalm Psalm 146: 6-10 The maker of heaven and earth, the seas and all that is in them, Who keeps faith forever, secures justice for the oppressed, who gives bread to the hungry.

The LORD sets prisoners free; the LORD gives sight to the blind.

The LORD raises up those who are bowed down; the LORD loves the righteous.

The LORD protects the resident alien, comes to the aid of the orphan and the widow, but thwarts the way of the wicked.

The LORD shall reign forever, your God, Zion, through all generations!

Hallelujah!

Reflection

By Gina Garcia As we draw nearer to the coming of the Lord this Advent season, we reflect on Psalm 146 that reveals to us where we should focus in good times, and even more so, in difficult moments. As we prepare for Jesus’ arrival, we must set our sights on God and put our faith and dependence only in Him. “Put no trust in princes, in children of Adam powerless to save” reminds us that even when we are connected to people in high places or people of prestige, they are unable to save us when we are in need. For as noble as a prince may seem, “breathing his last, returns to the earth; that day all his planning comes to nothing.” Even the princes are not unlike us in that we too are sons of Adam, sinners as it were, and mortal human beings. At the end, what power and control we believe ourselves or others to have is of no import. “Blessed is the one whose help is in the God of Jacob, whose hope is in the Lord, his God.” It is only in God that we can find our help. God can give us an inner peace and a strength for perseverance that no human can provide. It is only God who can give us the grace to continue when the will is weak, and it is only God who can give us the will to endure. “The Lord raises up those who are bowed down; the Lord loves the righteous.” In a world that kicks us when we are down, God lifts us up.

He “comes to the aid of the orphan and the widow, but thwarts the way of the wicked.” When we are destitute, lonely and have no one, if we have faith, God will sustain us. “The Lord shall reign forever, your God, Zion, through all generations! Hallelujah!”

The Third Sunday of Advent Second Reading James 5: 7-10 Be patient, therefore, brothers, until the coming of the Lord. See how the farmer waits for the precious fruit of the earth, being patient with it until it receives the early and the late rains. You too must be patient. Make your hearts firm, because the coming of the Lord is at hand. Do not complain, brothers, about one another, that you may not be judged. Behold, the Judge is standing before the gates. Take as an example of hardship and patience, brothers, the prophets who spoke in the name of the Lord. Indeed we call blessed those who have persevered. You have heard of the perseverance of Job, and you have seen the purpose of the Lord, because “the Lord is compassionate and merciful.”

Reflection

By Lana Gonzalez I thought that I had been doing everything right; I had prayed novenas, offered up Masses, offered up rosaries, all with a specific intention in mind. Then the answer from the Lord came, the answer I dreaded most: no. My heart, exhausted and disappointed, did not know what to do next. Again, I thought that I had done everything right. I had prayed so much! But there was one very important thing that I did not do: be patient. Looking back, I realize that the soil of my heart needed to receive a lot more of the “early and the late rains,” in order to produce the fruit that the Lord, the divine Gardener, wanted to give me.

My heart needed to become firm in the soil of the love of Christ and more deeply rooted in my identity as a daughter of the Father--a Father who gives good things to His children. No longer an orphan grasping, but a child open to receiving all the Giver desires to give to me. The growth came through the rains, through the storms, but those words spoke in the deep silent places of prayer, “You too must be patient. Make your hearts firm…” The Lord did eventually give me the “yes” that I longed for (and the timing was far greater than anything I could have imagined for myself!) but when I look back at that season of my life, I cannot help but be most grateful for the patience the Lord taught me, patience which lead me to be firm in Him. Come Holy Spirit.

Lord, Giver of Life, we entrust to you the intentions of our hearts. We ask that you make our hearts firm and grounded in the soil of your love. We look to the saints as examples of those who remained firm in You through hardship and tribulations and ask for their intercession that we may be patient. Lord, help my heart to remain always with you.

The Third Sunday of Advent Gospel Reading Matthew 11: 2-11 When John heard in prison of the works of the Messiah, he sent his disciples to him with this question, “Are you the one who is to come, or should we look for another?” Jesus said to them in reply, “Go and tell John what you hear and see: the blind regain their sight, the lame walk, lepers are cleansed, the deaf hear, the dead are raised, and the poor have the good news proclaimed to them. And blessed is the one who takes no offense at me.” As they were going off, Jesus began to speak to the crowds about John, “What did you go out to the desert to see? A reed swayed by the wind? Then what did you go out to see?

Someone dressed in fine clothing? Those who wear fine clothing are in royal palaces. Then why did you go out? To see a prophet? Yes, I tell you, and more than a prophet. This is the one about whom it is written: ‘Behold, I am sending my messenger ahead of you; he will prepare your way before you.’ Amen, I say to you, among those born of women there has been none greater than John the Baptist; yet the least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than he.

Reflection

By Caroline Duffy “The conditions for true joy have nothing to do with the conditions of our exterior life but consist of man’s interior frame of mind and competence, which make it possible now and again for him to sense, even in adverse external circumstances, what life is basically about. True joy recognizes that the life of God is lived within us, within the deepest center of our being. Man becomes truly himself precisely at the point where he recognizes that the highest and brightest Being dwells within him. Moreover, he will rediscover himself and his own identity, as well as his faith in his own individual value, mission, and life options, to the degree that he comprehends human life as streaming forth out of the mystery of God. Then all that is negative and threatening is surmounted, its futility is exposed from within and simultaneously disempowered…Such a person becomes someone of great joy–the great joy that he lives and experiences, as well as gives and enkindles in others. Gaudete!”

These are the words of Fr. Alfred Delp, written while he was imprisoned in Tegel Prison in Berlin, in December 1944, on Gaudete Sunday. Fr. Delp often wrote his sermons on scraps of paper while chained in handcuffs in his prison cell; his writings were smuggled out of the prison and have been collected into a book called “Advent of the Heart.” He loved the theme of Advent–its joy, its hope, its expectation of wondrous happenings.

Today we celebrate Gaudete Sunday, the third Sunday of Advent in which Holy Mother Church, with Her rose-colored vestments and candle, exhorts us to “Rejoice in the Lord always; I say again rejoice.” (Phil.

4:4). Strange that on this day of rejoicing I wish to meditate on two “jailbirds”–St. John the Baptist and Fr. Alfred Delp–both of whom were imprisoned and ultimately martyred. Both great men teach us that true joy is always linked to our relationship with God. Even in prison, both men are joyful. Why? Because they recognized that the Christ-child, Himself born in the midst of hardship–born in the cold of winter and placed in a food trough surrounded by animals because His own creation had “no room” for Him– has ransomed us from the slavery of sin and given us back our true identity as sons and daughters of God. No one can take that from us–not Herod, not Hitler; we are the only ones with the power to claim that identity and find salvation or throw it away at our own peril. One can almost see the smile that comes across St. John’s face as he hears of the mighty deeds done by Jesus: “the blind regain their sight, the lame walk, lepers are cleansed, the deaf hear, the dead are raised…” St. John is joyful because “He must increase and I must decrease” (Jn 3:30). Confident in Christ’s promises, both great men face their death not only without fear, but full of joy–true joy–because they know who they are, and more importantly, they know who God is and all that He has done for them. May we all do likewise, especially amid our own trials and difficulties, and especially at the moment of our death. Gaudete!

The Fourth Sunday of Advent First Reading Isaiah 7: 10-14 Again the LORD spoke to Ahaz: Ask for a sign from the LORD, your God; let it be deep as Sheol, or high as the sky! But Ahaz answered, “I will not ask! I will not tempt the LORD!” Then he said: Listen, house of David! Is it not enough that you weary human beings? Must you also weary my God? Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign; the young woman, pregnant and about to bear a son, shall name him Emmanuel.

Reflection

By Joseph Jacobeen Where is God? Does He care?

Jerusalem, God’s city, was under attack, when the prophet Isaiah tells King Ahaz to ask for a sign.

“I will not ask,” replies Ahaz, “I will not tempt the Lord!”

This sounds like a pious phrase, but Ahaz was far from being pious. He had sacrificed his children to idols and desecrated the temple. But even in a time of obviously great need, Ahaz would not reach out to God. The prophet seems to beg Ahaz: Please, ask God to intervene! Ask for something, anything!

Apathetically, Ahaz refuses. Why bother God, who does not seem to be bothered with me? But it was not God who ignored Ahaz. Rather, Ahaz completely ignored God. When I ask my students what to pray for, I usually receive no response, though I imagine they have many real needs. Maybe some of us are unaware of our need for God to act in our daily lives. More often, I have doubts He will actually do anything. Asking seems futile.

“I will not ask,” we say. “I will not tempt the Lord.”

Where is God? Does He care? When we do not reach out to God for help, God still responds with a promise: “Immanuel!” which means, “God is with us, imminently close!”

Dare to pray to God, who is near, for He cares for you!

• Have I been like Ahaz, assuming God will not act in my life?

• Have I refused to ask God for help, because I fear His response, or from fear of being let down?

• Do I have merely a theoretical faith, or do I have practical faith that God can and will help with my current struggles?

Lord God, may the coming of Jesus Christ to earth remind us of your longing to intervene in our daily lives, to intervene, to heal, and to set us free! Amen.

The Fourth Sunday of Advent Responsorial Psalm Psalm 24: 1-6 A psalm of David.

The earth is the LORD’s and all it holds, the world and those who dwell in it.

For he founded it on the seas, established it over the rivers.

Who may go up the mountain of the LORD? Who can stand in his holy place?

“The clean of hand and pure of heart, who has not given his soul to useless things, what is vain.

He will receive blessings from the LORD, and justice from his saving God. Such is the generation that seeks him, that seeks the face of the God of Jacob.”

Reflection

By Rosie Driscoll There are many ways in which I get stuck at the foot of the mountain, giving my soul to useless things, to what is vain. I scroll mindlessly through social media; I get caught up in the consumer trappings of the Christmas season; I fall prey to petty grievances and jealousy. More insidious than the things I know to be useless, however, are the things I convince myself are useful. I strive to be productive at the mercy of being present. I set my alarm early to prepare class rather than go to daily Mass; I stay at work late to grade rather than going home at a decent hour to be with my family. When I am home, I prioritize getting chores done and crossing items off my to do list. In the moment that I make decisions like these, I tell myself that I am doing good, useful things. Yet eventually I find myself depleted and unmoored, a sure sign that I am not listening to the Holy Spirit. Distracted and ornery, I channel my inner Martha when deep down I know that Jesus calls me to be like Mary – to sit at His feet and seek the face of God. I am grateful for Advent, a blessed time that reminds me to seek our God on the mountain and in the manger. A time to pay attention and wait for the coming of the only One who can light the way and lead us to stand in His holy place.

Jesus, open my heart to your invitation to seek you above all things.

Help me to fix my eyes on you and to be present to your presence in the world and those who dwell in it.

The Fourth Sunday of Advent Second Reading Romans 1: 1-7 Paul, a slave of Christ Jesus, called to be an apostle and set apart for the gospel of God, which he promised previously through his prophets in the holy scriptures, the gospel about his Son, descended from David according to the flesh, but established as Son of God in power according to the spirit of holiness through resurrection from the dead, Jesus Christ our Lord. Through him we have received the grace of apostleship, to bring about the obedience of faith, for the sake of his name, among all the Gentiles, among whom are you also, who are called to belong to Jesus Christ; to all the beloved of God in Rome, called to be holy. Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.

Reflection

By Terri Kelley Paul, a servant of Jesus Christ, called to be an apostle, set apart for the gospel of God which he promised beforehand through his prophets in the holy Scriptures, the gospel concerning his Son, who was descended from David according to the flesh and designated Son of God in power according to the Spirit of holiness by his resurrection from the dead, Jesus Christ our Lord, through whom we have received grace and apostleship to bring about the obedience of faith for the sake of his name among all the nations, including yourselves who are called to belong to Jesus Christ; To all God’s beloved in Rome, who are called to be saints: Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.

When reading this, I particularly notice the following statements: I am called to be a saint, I am called to belong to Jesus Christ, and I am supposed to bring about obedience of faith.

What is a saint? What does it mean to be a saint? ‘Saint’ is a word that can get thrown around in everyday use.

“You are a saint,” is something I have said to someone who goes out of their way to help me. But being a true saint includes a degree of holiness, meaning a likeness or closeness to God. Being a saint takes effort and intentionality.

Are we being intentional about growing closer to God? Are we putting in the work that requires? Society does not value this work and we can tend to put it off, but we need to remember that we are not promised tomorrow and that there is nothing more important than getting into heaven. As Advent continues and the Christmas season arrives, I hope that you will join me in taking time to evaluate how we are attempting to grow closer to God. What are we doing that is helping? What are we allowing to get in the way? I plan to write it on my to do list, put a date/time in my calendar, and really give myself time to evaluate where I am and what, if anything, I want to do differently.

Being called to belong to Jesus Christ is something that has taken me a lifetime to understand and accept. I am still actively working on it, because believing that God delights in me and truly loves me is just somehow foreign to the way I think. I can easily come up with reasons why I am not worthy of that love but accepting that the creator of the universe is enamored with me feels uncomfortable. Fortunately, God is faithful in His continual call for us to grow closer to Him. Throughout my lifetime, He has consistently provided me concrete examples to help me understand how He can love me through and through, despite my many imperfections. During this Christmas season, I plan to ask God to continue to show me – and then, I intend to believe that He will and to look faithfully for examples in my life.

Being called to bring about obedience to faith makes me glad to be a teacher. We have so many opportunities through every interaction with our students to help them see the world through the eyes of faith and to show them that living according to the way that God has called us to live leads to the happiest, most peaceful, joy-filled life. Fortunately, everyone, not just teachers, can impact those around them. During these seasons of Advent and Christmas I want to make sure that my family and friends understand how my faith and my journey to sainthood have brought me happiness, joy, and peace.

Prayer: Father, you are amazing. Thank you for Your delight in me. Thank You for Your continual call to understand You. As I continue to celebrate Advent and Christmas, I ask that You help me to see and take advantage of opportunities to share with my family and friends how my faith in You has brought me peace. How living according to Your Word has taught me how to approach the many challenges I face every day. And please help me to grow in both my understanding of You and in my ability to actually live according to Your Word.

The Fourth Sunday of Advent Gospel Reading Matthew 1: 18-24 Now this is how the birth of Jesus Christ came about. When his mother Mary was betrothed to Joseph, but before they lived together, she was found with child through the holy Spirit. Joseph her husband, since he was a righteous man, yet unwilling to expose her to shame, decided to divorce her quietly. Such was his intention when, behold, the angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said, “Joseph, son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary your wife into your home. For it is through the holy Spirit that this child has been conceived in her. She will bear a son and you are to name him Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins.” All this took place to fulfill what the Lord had said through the prophet: “Behold, the virgin shall be with child and bear a son, and they shall name him Emmanuel,” which means “God is with us.” When Joseph awoke, he did as the angel of the Lord had commanded him and took his wife into his home.

Reflection

By Jon Pressimone As the Bard once posited, “What’s in a name?” (Shakespeare, Romeo and Juliet). While his point in this tragedy is to show how names and allegiances can serve to separate one from another, the Gospel for this week shows the exact opposite.

Joseph, husband of Mary, was struggling with the reality that his wife was with child, and that child was not his own. He was planning on quietly divorcing her, but God had other plans for Joseph. An angel told him of the miraculous nature of Mary’s pregnancy, and the name that he should choose for the child – Jesus. Joseph, listening to these words, obeyed the will of God, took Mary into his home, and raised Jesus as his own.

The name of Jesus was also his mission, as it means “God saves.” Jesus was to live his whole life as an offering, atoning for the sins of all mankind. Every act that Jesus performed in his life, whether it was his lessons, miracles, or his ultimate sacrifice, all served the work of salvation. Through the incarnation, the second person of the Trinity entered into our world to rectify a lost people. As the evangelist recalls of the prophet Isaiah “Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and they shall name him Emmanuel” which means “God with us” (Mt 1:23). God is truly with us every day, and like Joseph, we must listen to the will of God and accept him into our lives.

Dear Lord, let us hear your call and accept you daily into our lives. As we offer the Advent cry of “O come, o come Emmanuel” let us remember your presence here on the earth as it remains with us, and look longingly to the future where we dwell with you in beatitude. Amen.

Christmas Day First Reading Isaiah 52: 7-10 How beautiful upon the mountains are the feet of the one bringing good news, Announcing peace, bearing good news, announcing salvation, saying to Zion, “Your God is King!” Listen! Your sentinels raise a cry, together they shout for joy, For they see directly, before their eyes, the LORD’s return to Zion.

Break out together in song, O ruins of Jerusalem! For the LORD has comforted his people, has redeemed Jerusalem. The LORD has bared his holy arm in the sight of all the nations; All the ends of the earth can see the salvation of our God.

Reflection 1

By Meredith Tombs Today’s first reading highlights how we should be remembering that our Savior reigns: today and every day. He has created this earth, our lives, and all our opportunities. It is all from Him and for Him. And so, we celebrate.

We should ensure our joyful celebration centers around the Lord and his Love. Let us take his message of love and peace with us through the rest of the year and the rest of our lives. He is our good news - our comfort - our peace our salvation. He is our joy and purpose.

The joy of our salvation is what truly gives our lives purpose. It is all in his hands, and so we celebrate.

Heavenly Father - we thank you for your love that we see daily in our lives. Help us to celebrate your love today and to remember that we are yours, and you are ours. Amen.

Reflection 2

By Tim Guy Something great has happened. Something great on a cosmic level. This is really great news. So great, that I’m marveling at the beauty of some feet.

It is my understanding that this passage is about Cyrus’ defeat of the Babylonians freeing the Israelites from their long captivity. The sentinels raised a shout of joy and broke out in song in response to the announcement of his victory. This is the great thing that happened. The passage also harkens to the Good News of peace and salvation, of comfort and redemption, and of the glory of God that we celebrate at Christmas. We sing, we shout for joy, for Jesus has come to bring divine peace, salvation, comfort and redemption to the world.

With all of that packed into a beautiful passage, I am still struck by the line “How beautiful upon the mountains are the feet of the one bringing good news.” To me this suggests a specific and rare feeling of joy that is accompanied by a level of giddiness. This news is so great that every small and otherwise ordinary detail seems remarkable.

“Look at those feet, those glorious, wonderful feet. Those are the feet of the messenger who brought us this news. Without those feet, I might not know this good news, I might not feel this feeling of joy at being saved.”

In my late childhood/early teens (last century), I recall often attending Mass at Our Lady of the Shenandoah, a small mission chapel on the side of a mountain at a place where my family vacationed. One of the semi-regular celebrants was a Franciscan whose traditional and modest garb included sandals which he wore in every kind of weather. I am embarrassed to say I do not recall his name. But I remember his feet. They were a marvel to me in my youth and my exuberance at seeing him was something that my parents and my siblings had to tamper down enough so as not to cause embarrassment to the family. Thick skinned and appearing as one with the sandal, it was remarkable to me that he walked through the snow as though this was entirely ordinary. The miles those feet endured. The places those feet had traveled. The hills and trails through which these feet carried a man who appeared to me to be the type of person who was more likely to have shared adventures with Robin Hood than with any 70s or 80s figure I knew. I also remember the joy of Christmas experienced as a child and I am nearly certain that at some point the two coincided; that this priest celebrated a Christmas Mass that I attended with my family. Sometimes it is the small details of a memory or a story by which the scripture becomes a touchstone of our faith. “How beautiful upon the mountains are the feet of the one bringing the good news.”

Lord, in this holy season of prayer and joy and song and laughter, we praise you for the great wonders you have sent us and the simple ordinary marvels of your creation: for shining star and angel's song, for infant's cry in lowly manger. We praise you for the Word made flesh in a little Child. We behold his glory, and are bathed in its radiance.

Christmas Day Responsorial Psalm Psalm 98: 1-6 Sing a new song to the LORD, for he has done marvelous deeds.

His right hand and holy arm have won the victory.

The LORD has made his victory known; has revealed his triumph in the sight of the nations, He has remembered his mercy and faithfulness toward the house of Israel.

All the ends of the earth have seen the victory of our God. Shout with joy to the LORD, all the earth; break into song; sing praise.

Sing praise to the LORD with the lyre, with the lyre and melodious song.

With trumpets and the sound of the horn shout with joy to the King, the LORD.

Reflection

By Mike Rauer A birth, a new life.

What will this little life bring?

We are filled with wonder as we imagine the future.

Will this new life bring to the world the scientist who will find the cure for cancer?

Or will this little infant be the one who serves on the world stage to bring peace and harmony to humanity?

What were the thoughts of the Blessed Mother as she began to contemplate this small, helpless little figure before her in the humble abode of a simple stable?

Imagine that hunched figure of Joseph as he timidly beheld the small bundle of life in the arms of his sacred mother.

The simple family of animals circled around the manger while the sputtering fire blazes with small blasts of warmth against the cold December wind.

Did our new family from Nazareth think about how would they provide for this new mouth to feed on this cold winter night?

Would they know in their hearts that this was to be the newborn king of the Jews who would bring such joy to all mankind, but yet suffering to His parents.

As Paul Harvey would say “Now for the rest of the story.”

Life was so much simpler so long ago, without the complications that seem to plague us from every direction in our lives.

Do we really understand and realize the magnitude of these events of two millennia ago? While everyone knows the Christmas story, do we really know what it actually means?

It seems that our world today is moving toward the secular state that diminishes the sacrifices and messages of so long ago.

How can we show the Blessed Lord Jesus that we will welcome Him into our hearts?

In our own lives so long ago, yet with youthful exuberance, we welcomed the birth of Jesus with our presence at Christ’s Mass.

Let us take the time this year and set aside some “quiet time” and reread the Christmas story and seek to gather the real meaning of the birth of Our Blessed Lord.

How lucky those poor shepherds were when they heard the voices of the angels proclaiming the birth and message of Our Lord. They were very simple people who saw and immediately believed. Can we be like them?

Let us be like those shepherds and welcome the Blessed Lord into our hearts with the full understanding of what He brings to us on this special day. Jesus we will come and adore you.

Christmas Day Second Reading Hebrews 1: 1-6 In times past, God spoke in partial and various ways to our ancestors through the prophets; in these last days, he spoke to us through a son, whom he made heir of all things and through whom he created the universe, who is the refulgence of his glory, the very imprint of his being, and who sustains all things by his mighty word. When he had accomplished purification from sins, he took his seat at the right hand of the Majesty on high, as far superior to the angels as the name he has inherited is more excellent than theirs. For to which of the angels did God ever say: “You are my son; this day I have begotten you”? Or again: “I will be a father to him, and he shall be a son to me”? And again, when he leads the first-born into the world, he says: “Let all the angels of God worship him.”

Reflection

By Grattan Brown It takes a lot of faith to bring a child into the world. Parents know that their child will probably dwell on this earth about 80 years, give or take 20, and they hope that they will be around to accompany their child for most of it. They know that their child will do millions of things, experience joy and suffering, remember few of the details, but hopefully end up with a mind and heart full of wisdom and love. To bring a child into the world takes a lot of faith that, as people often say, it will all work out in the end.

God knows the end, and Hebrews 1:1-6 gives us big, world-historical language for God’s leading us to it by his Son, “the heir of all things … upholding the universe by his word of power… having become … superior to the angels.” And yet each child brought into the world is a tiny part of God’s universe that the Son’s “word of power” upholds.

You might even say that each person is a tiny, privileged place where God’s word dwells. Why else would the angels delight in worship when God “brings the first-born into the world” to show us our worth?

Every year on Christmas day, God rejoices that He brought us into the world by reminding us how humbly He, and we, entered the world. And on that day, the Son began that earthly journey to make purification for our sins and return, with us in tow, to the right hand of the Majesty on high.

God our Father, We thank you for coming to dwell among us, For your word of power to sustain us, For the joy of Christmas Day, And for the opportunity to discover where faithfully following you might lead.

Help us to reflect your glory, as your Son taught us.

Christmas Day Gospel Reading John 1: 1-18 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God. All things came to be through him, and without him nothing came to be. What came to be through him was life, and this life was the light of the human race; the light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it. A man named John was sent from God. He came for testimony, to testify to the light, so that all might believe through him. He was not the light, but came to testify to the light. The true light, which enlightens everyone, was coming into the world. He was in the world, and the world came to be through him, but the world did not know him. He came to what was his own, but his own people did not accept him. But to those who did accept him he gave power to become children of God, to those who believe in his name, who were born not by natural generation nor by human choice nor by a man’s decision but of God. 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 testified to him and cried out, saying, “This was he of whom I said, ‘The one who is coming after me ranks ahead of me because he existed before me.’” From his fullness we have all received, grace in place of grace, because while the law was given through Moses, grace and truth came through Jesus Christ. No one has ever seen God. The only Son, God, who is at the Father’s side, has revealed him.

Reflection

By Lucy Lu Christmas brings hope—I can be changed. God has come to the world, and he can change me and change the world. Have hope, be not discouraged, for I can be changed. The Gospel reading for today proclaims the Good News of great joy for all people: “And the Word became flesh and made His dwelling among us” (John 1:14). I became familiar with this magnificent phrase of St. John’s Gospel through the Angelus prayer: “And the Word was made Flesh: And dwelt among us.” The Greek term behind “dwelt among us,” σκηνόω, is literally translated as “to tabernacle” or “to pitch a tent.”

According to the twenty-sixth chapter of the Book of Exodus, the Ark of the Covenant—the embodiment of the LORD’s presence—was originally housed in a tent or tabernacle. St. John is telling us that now, in the flesh of Jesus, the LORD has established his definitive Tabernacle among us. By hearing the words of Jesus uttered from his adorable lips, I hear the Word who was in the Beginning with God and was God; by drawing close to the baby Jesus in Bethlehem, I behold the glory of God himself; by touching the flesh of Jesus, I touch God himself—my sins are truly forgiven, I are truly healed, and I am created anew in the God-made-flesh. Be not discouraged, just have hope in him who “gave power to all who received him, who believed in his name, to become children of God” (John 1:12). This Christmas, I can be changed.

Let us pray: Lord Jesus, born on this day for me, make me a child of God and a child of Mary. Mary, give me your ears to listen to Jesus, your eyes to look at him, and your heart to love him. St. Joseph, pray for us.