Today's Gospel Reading - Sunday, December 30, 2012 with Reflection

Feast of the Holy Family

1^ST READING - Sirach 3:2-6, 12-14 (or 1 Samuel 1:20-22, 24-28)

P S A L M - Psalm 128:1-2, 3, 4-5 (or Psalm 84:2-3, 5-6, 9-10)

R: Blessed are those who fear the Lord and walk in his ways. 1Blessed is everyone who fears the Lord, who walk in his ways! 2 For you shall eat the fruit of your handiwork; blessed shall you be, and favored. (R) 3 Your wife shall be like a fruitful vine in the recesses of your home; your children like olive plants around your table. (R) 4 Behold, thus is the man blessed who fears the Lord. 5 The Lord bless you from Zion: may you see the prosperity of Jerusalem all the days of your life. (R)

2^ND READING - Colossians 3:12-21 (or 1 John 3:1-2, 21-24)

GOSPEL ACCLAMATION

Let the peace of Christ control your hearts; let the word of Christ dwell in you richly.

 

Luke 2:41-52

41 Each year Jesus’ parents went to Jerusalem for the feast of Passover, 42 and when he was twelve years old, they went up according to festival custom. 43 After they had completed its days, as they were returning, the boy Jesus remained behind in Jerusalem, but his parents did not know it. 44Thinking that he was in the caravan, they journeyed for a day and looked for him among their relatives and acquaintances, 45 but not finding him, they returned to Jerusalem to look for him. 46 After three days they found him in the temple, sitting in the midst of the teachers, listening to them and asking them questions, 47 and all who heard him were astounded at his understanding and his answers. 48When his parents saw him, they were astonished, and his mother said to him, “Son, why have you done this to us? Your father  and I have been looking for you with great anxiety.” 49 And he said to them, “Why were you looking for me? Did you not know that I must be in my Father’s house?”50 But they did not understand what he said to them. 51 He went down with them and came to Nazareth, and was obedient to them; and his mother kept all these things in her heart. 52 And Jesus advanced in wisdom and age and favor before God and man.

SABBATH

DOING THE FATHER’S BUSINESS   On this second Sunday of Christmas we are given a glimpse of the life of the Holy Family. The family is returning from a time of pilgrimage in Jerusalem, namely, the Passover. We reflect on this Gospel in the fourth Joyful Mystery – the finding of Jesus in the Temple. Luke has a way of giving us details to help us meditate on this mystery. The story reminds me of an experience I once had. I was with a group of people listening to an open-air concert. During the interlude we all noticed a small child looking for his parents. When he realized he was lost, his face downcast, he cried out, “Daddy!” The crowd instantly sighed in helplessness — where is the parent? Then, as in a flash, the child saw the parent and yelled, “Daddy!” The crowd erupted in applause because parent and child were reunited. We can imagine the feeling of helplessness on the part of Mary and Joseph as they suddenly realized the Child was lost, or was at least not among the family. We can imagine the profound joy when Jesus was finally found. What would have raced through the minds of Mary and Joseph in these days? Jesus is found in His Father’s house doing His Father’s business. Already at a young age, His mind was set on making the Father known. All of us have been lost and are trying to find our way back to the Father’s house to do the Father’s business. Sin has separated us from the Father’s House but thanks to Jesus we can make our way back. There is joy like what Mary and Joseph had in discovering and re-discovering the presence of Jesus in our life. Today is the feast of the Holy Family. Let us pray for those who may have lost their way. Let us pray for members of the family who no longer worship or have been offended by our actions. Let us pray that during this season of family reconciliation, peace and joy will prosper.Fr. Brian Steele, MGL   REFLECTION QUESTION: Are there members of your family that you need to pray for and reconcile with?   Thank You, Lord, for the gift of my family. Though at times there may be misunderstandings and tension, help me to be an agent of peace, joy and hope. Amen.

St. Egwin, pray for us.

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A list to live by:

- Most destructive habit: WORRY

- Greatest Joy: GIVING

- Greatest loss: LOSS of SELF-RESPECT

- Most Satisfying Work: HELPING OTHERS 

- Most Endangered Species: DEDICATED

                                             LEADERS

- Greatest Problem to Overcome: FEAR

- Most Effective Sleeping Pill: PEACE Of 

                                                   MIND

- Most Powerful Force in Life: LOVE

- Greatest Asset: FAITH

- Most Beautiful Attire: SMILE

- Most Prized Possession: INTEGRITY

- Most Important in Life: GOD

A CHRISTMAS BLESSING

During this Christmas season,


May you be blessed 


With the spirit of the season, 


which is peace,


The gladness of the season,


which is hope,


And the heart of the season,


which is love

.

Somehow, not only for Christmas


But all the long year through,


The joy that you give to others


Is the joy that comes back to you.


And the more you spend in blessing


The poor and lonely and sad,


The more of your heart's possessing


Returns to you glad.

~John Greenleaf Whittier

Today's Gospel Reading - Sunday, December 23, 2012 with Reflection

1^ST READING - Micah 5:1-4

P S A L M - Psalm 80:2-3, 15-16, 18-19

R: Lord, make us turn to you, let us see your face and we shall be saved.

 

2 O shepherd of Israel, hearken, from your throne upon the cherubim, shine forth. 3 Rouse your power, and come to save us. (R)15 Once again, O Lord of hosts, look down from heaven, and see; take care of this vine, 16 and protect what your right hand has planted the son of man whom you yourself made strong. (R) 18 May your help be with the man of your right hand, with the son of man whom you yourself made strong. 19Then we will no more withdraw from you; give us new life, and we will call upon your name. (R)

2^nd READING - Hebrews 10:5-10

GOSPEL ACCLAMATION

Behold, I am the handmaid of the Lord. May it be done to me according to your word.

 

Luke 1:39-45

39 Mary set out and traveled to the hill country in haste to a town of Judah, 40 where she entered the house of Zechariah and greeted Elizabeth. 41 When Elizabeth heard Mary’s greeting, the infant leaped in her womb, and Elizabeth, filled with the Holy Spirit, 42 cried out in a loud voice and said, “Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb. 43 And how does this happen to me, that the mother of my Lord should come to me? 44 For at the moment the sound of your greeting reached my ears, the infant in my womb leaped for joy. 45 Blessed are you who believed that what was spoken to you by the Lord would be fulfilled.”

SABBATH

O LITTLE TOWN OF BETHLEHEM   Micah lived in a difficult time. There was political pressure from Assyria, and the Northern Kingdom was totally destroyed by that powerful nation. The kings in Jerusalem were also not the leaders the nation needed. No wonder that the prophets began to dream of a great leader who would unite the tribes once more and bring peace and prosperity to the nation. Who was such a leader? Most prophets began to look back to David who, after many wars, brought unity and prosperity to Israel. They were dreaming of another David. And that’s the background of today’s first reading that mentions Bethlehem, the town where David was born and grew up: “But you, Bethlehem-Ephrathah, too small to be among the clans of Judah, from you shall come forth for me one who is to be ruler in Israel; whose origin is from of old, from ancient times.” Micah was dreaming of another powerful political leader like King David who would once more bring peace and unity, not knowing that God had different plans. Jesus, also born in Bethlehem according to Matthew and Luke, would be a different leader. He would not be a political leader who would go into war, but a spiritual leader, humbly serving humankind and bringing spiritual salvation. He would be born in Beth-Lehem, which means “House of Bread,” and resting in a manger, a container for animal food – foreshadowing what He would do for His people: giving Himself as spiritual food, as “Bread of Life,” in the Eucharistic bread. We could say that every church where the Eucharistic bread is kept is a “Bethlehem” where Jesus continues to strengthen us for our often difficult journey through life. He enters into our hearts and lives there so that we become living tabernacles. When we sing these days, “O Little Town of Bethlehem,” we should not forget what the name of this town signifies and deepen our love and reverence for the Bread of Life, Jesus, our Savior. Fr. Rudy Horst, SVD   REFLECTION QUESTION: Do you receive Holy Communion always conscious of the real presence of Jesus?   Lord, thank You for reminding me of the meaning of Bethlehem. Help me to be always conscious that You continue to share Yourself with me whenever I receive the Bread of Life, Holy Communion. St. John of Kanty, priest, pray for us.

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The Hobbit: A Catholic Guide

If you plan to see The Hobbit, this is one book you MUST read! In Bilbo's Journey, Tolkien scholar Joseph Pearce guides you through each chapter of The Hobbit, unpacking the Christian meaning and symbolism embedded throughout J.R.R. Tolkien's classic novel. Bilbo's Journey: Discovering the Hidden Meaning of The Hobbit by Joseph Pearce 152 Pages - List Price: $12.95   Joseph Pearce takes you beyond the dragons, dwarves, and elves so you can discover how Bilbo’s quest to find and slay the dragon is also our journey.  He'll show you how the perils Bilbo faces are our own perils, and how his ultimate objective should be our objective, too. Bilbo’s journey is one of self-sacrifice out of love for others, and we should learn from his complete abandonment to Providence and grace. By reading Bilbo’s Journey, you’ll not only develop a much deeper appreciation for The Hobbit, you’ll discover why good Christian literature focuses your mind and soul on what is most important. Click here to order Bilbo's Journey now, or . . .    Save 10% when you order the 2-book set: Bilbo's Journey and The Tripods Attack! Click here to order BOTH books Apply coupon code Tolkien10 at checkout The Tripods Attack! is a delightfully inventive novel for teens to adults that re-imagines the famous Catholic author G.K. Chesterton as a young man living in an alternative Edwardian age of steam-driven wonders. Sixteen-year-old Gilbert Chesterton is orphaned and friendless, stuck working a menial job in grimy turn-of-the-century London. Then one night strange lights fill the sky, and a hail of giant meteors crashes into a field outside the city. The next day Gilbert is amazed to find himself hired by a newspaper and rushed out to investigate the scene. Is it a harmless natural phenomenon, or the first wave of a Martian invasion? Gilbert soon learns he’s not the only one asking that question, and he’s joined by three strangers with their own interest in the fantastic events: Herb Wells, journalist for a rival paper. Affable, streetwise, and self-confident, Herb’s only too happy to teach young Gilbert the ways of the world. But when it comes to getting the story (and the fame) he warns it’s every man for himself.   An enigmatic bearded man known only as the Doctor. He’s suave, cultured, and friendly — maybe too friendly. And he knows things about the cosmic visitors. . .things no ordinary man should know. How much he’s hiding is anybody’s guess.   Father Brown, a short, mild, middle-aged priest with an extraordinary talent for solving mysteries. Gilbert doesn’t know much about Christ or the Church, but Father Brown will teach him lessons of faith, love, and courage. The companions fly frantically from danger to danger, battling street thugs from London’s underworld and mechanical creatures from another world. As Gilbert is drawn deeper into the threat of the mysterious tripods, he unveils a sinister conspiracy that may hold the key not only to the fate of mankind, but also to the accident that took his parents’ life. And so with only his friends, his wits, and a tattered holy card to help him, Gilbert must race to save the world — all the while struggling to reconcile his troubling past with his budding faith in God. Click here to order the 2-book set and apply coupon code Tolkien10 at checkout (Shipping not included.  Not eligible for any other discount. Limited Time Offer.) Order online above, or call 1-800-888-9344 www.SophiaInstitute.com

Today's Gospel Reading - Sunday, December 16, 2012 with Reflection

1^ST READING - Zephaniah 3:14-18

P S A L M - Isaiah 12:2-3, 4, 5-6

R: Cry out with joy and gladness: for among you is the great and Holy One of Israel.

2 God indeed is my savior; I am confident and unafraid. My strength and my courage is the Lord, and he has been my savior. 3 With joy you will draw water at the fountain of salvation. (R) 4 Give thanks to the Lord, acclaim his name; among the nations make known his deeds, proclaim how exalted is his name. (R) 5 Sing praise to the Lord for his glorious achievement; let this be known throughout all the earth. 6 Shout with exultation, O city of Zion, for great in your midst is the Holy One of Israel! (R)

2^ND READING - Philippians 4:4-7

GOSPEL ACCLAMATION

The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he has anointed me to bring tidings to the poor.

Luke 3:10-18

10 The crowds asked John the Baptist, “What should we do?” 11He said to them in reply, “Whoever has two cloaks should share with the person who has none. And whoever has food should do likewise.” 12 Even tax collectors came to be baptized and they said to him, “Teacher, what should we do?” 13 He answered them, “Stop collecting more than what is prescribed.” 14 Soldiers also asked him, “And what is it that we should do?” He told them, “Do not practice extortion, do not falsely accuse anyone, and be satisfied with your wages.” 15Now the people were filled with expectation, and all were asking in their hearts whether John might be the Christ. 16John answered them all, saying, “I am baptizing you with water, but one mightier than I is coming. I am not worthy to loosen the thongs of his sandals. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire. 17 His winnowing fan is in his hand to clear his threshing floor and to gather the wheat into his barn, but the chaff he will burn with unquenchable fire.” 18Exhorting them in many other ways, he preached good news to the people.

SABBATH

THE WINNOWING FORK I can still remember watching a man winnow the wheat as a kid. It was amazing to see him deftly toss the stalks of the wheat around and so facilitate the separation of the grain from the stalks. It is good for us to remember that a day of judgment will come to us all and, on that day, we will have to give an account of the lives we have led. Purification is the image that comes to mind – the rubbish being separated from me such that I will be purified. This is the process through which we will all go through if we are going to make it into eternal life. Judgment and purification go hand in hand in terms of the end result they achieve. I am sure there are things in our lives which we are not proud of. The Sacrament of Reconciliation is a means by which we enter into this process of purification by acknowledging our sins and turning away from them,both now and forever. Sin is a nasty character that never gives up. The devil is quite aware that there are many who have strong beliefs in this area. It is important that we do not give up in the face of a challenge and, by preparing ourselves well, endure it. This is the way a disciple of Jesus thinks – always in terms of victory over sin and never towards a compromise. The image of winnowing is used at the start of the Gospel to remind us that the work of the Gospel is to purify our lives beginning with our thoughts, words and deeds. We should hold nothing back from the God who loves us and we should seek to pray for one another daily. The ever-present danger in the modern world is to fail to recognize the work of Satan as he seeks to tempt us every once in a while.Fr. Steve Tynan, MGL REFLECTION QUESTION: Do you surrender yourself to the winnowing fire of God’s love that cleanses and purifies? Holy Spirit, come and purify my heart and mind so that eveything they direct my body to do will be holy.

Blessed Honoratus Kozminski, pray for us.

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December 13 - Today is the feast of Saint Lucy

SAINT LUCY Virgin and Martyr (†; c. 304)

The mother of St. Lucy suffered four years from an issue of blood, and the help of man failed. St. Lucy reminded her mother that a woman in the Gospel had been healed of the same disorder. "St. Agatha," she said, "stands ever in the sight of Him for whom she died. Only touch her sepulchre with faith, and you will be healed." They spent the night praying by the tomb, till, overcome by weariness, both fell asleep. St. Agatha appeared in vision to St. Lucy, and calling her sister, foretold her mother's recovery and her own martyrdom. That instant the cure was affected; and in her gratitude the mother allowed her daughter to distribute her wealth among the poor, and consecrate her virginity to Christ.

A young man to whom she had been promised in marriage accused her as a Christian to the heathen; but our Lord, by a special miracle, saved from outrage this virgin whom He had chosen for His own. The fire kindled around her did her no hurt. Then the sword was plunged into her heart, and the promise made at the tomb of St. Agatha was fulfilled.

Practical Ways to Enter Into Advent

http://www.catholicity.com/mccloskey/advent.html

by Father John McCloskey

There are many practical ways through which we can enter into the season of Advent.

Liturgical seasons exist not only for the purpose of celebrating Mass on Sundays, but also for our own daily spiritual benefit. Here are a number of ways in which we can more fully enter into the spirit of Advent – a spirit of expectation, watchfulness, repentance and joy.

Prayer

Pray the Rosary every day and concentrate on the Joyful Mysteries.

Do a vigil at an abortion center with some friends. You may save a baby and perhaps change the minds of the 'Herods' who run them.

Fasting

Make a fasting program for Advent and be temperate in food and drink at Christmas parties.

Watch as little television as you can during this time and perhaps watch some classic Christmas movies as a family or with friends

Get the shopping done now and put it behind you.

Giving

Look up the spiritual and corporal works of mercy and do one each week until the close of the Christmas season. There are lots of hurting people out there and they need to feel and receive your love.

Talk about the Sacrament of Penance with friends and family and bring them to a good priest who will restore them to grace. How can you beat that for a Christmas present?

Action

Buy and read Pope Benedict's new book about the child Jesus.

Don't throw out your Christmas tree or put the crèche back in the attic the day after Christmas, when the Christmas season has just started.

Get a head start on those new year's resolutions.

Fr. McCloskey's pastoral suggestions are just a few of the ways that one can prayerfully enter into Advent. The Church offers us this time of expectation so that we can more fully prepare for the joy and grace received on Christmas.

Published December 4, 2012 on Aleteia.org.

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BY FR. MCCLOSKEY
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Today's Gospel Reading - Sunday, December 9, 2012 with Reflection

1^ST READING - Baruch 5:1-9

P S A L M - Psalm 126:1-2, 2-3, 4-5, 6

R: The Lord has done great things for us; we are filled with joy.

1 When the Lord brought back the captives of Zion, we were like men dreaming. 2 Then our mouth was filled with laughter, and our tongue with rejoicing. (R) Then they said among the nations, “The Lord has done great things for them.” 3 The Lord has done great things for us; we are glad indeed. (R) 4Restore our fortunes, O Lord, like the torrents in the southern desert. 5 Those who sow in tears shall reap rejoicing. (R) 6 Although they go forth weeping, carrying the seed to be sown, they shall come back rejoicing, carrying their sheaves. (R)

2^ND READING - Philippians 1:4-6, 8-11

GOSPEL ACCLAMATION

Prepare the way of the Lord, make straight his paths: all flesh shall see the salvation of God.

Luke 3:1-6

1 In the fifteenth year of the reign of Tiberius Caesar, when Pontius Pilate was governor of Judea, and Herod was tetrarch of Galilee, and his brother Philip tetrarch of the region of Ituraea and Trachonitis, and Lysanias was tetrarch of Abilene, 2 during the high priesthood of Annas and Caiaphas, the word of God came to John the son of Zechariah in the desert. 3 John went throughout the whole region of the Jordan, proclaiming a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins, 4 as it is written in the book of the words of the prophet Isaiah: A voice of one crying out in the desert: “Prepare the way of the Lord, make straight his paths. 5 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, 6 and all flesh shall see the salvation of God.”

SABBATH

PREPARE THE WAY FOR THE LORD When I read this text it always sends a bit of a shiver down my spine as I realize that the role of preparing the way for the Lord is mine as well as John the Baptist’s. Each one of us is called to do our bit in preparing the way for the Lord to come a second time. John the Baptist has done it for the first arrival of Jesus and now it is our turn to prepare for the time when He will come to judge the world. The funny thing is that the work of John the Baptist as he describes it is pretty much the same as what we are called to do. John was literally preparing for the arrival of the Incarnate Son of God; we are called to prepare the way for the Gospel to be proclaimed to the hearts of all men and women. The gift of salvation came in the person of Jesus and it continues to be born into the world in the form of the Gospel through the lives of the disciples of Jesus — you and me. Sometimes it is good to look at the words of the Scriptures literally. Perhaps they will speak to us of specific situations in our lives. Let each of us reflect upon the ideas of “making straight paths; making rough ways smooth and crooked ones straight.” How do these ideas impact us and apply to our lives? This is the question that really has to be answered for our own salvation to be complete. Our participation in the work of Jesus – in the work of the Gospel – is an essential component of our faith. Each of us has to take the time to reflect upon our lives and examine how we are called to participate in the Church’s vocation of bringing the Gospel to the ends of the earth. John’s is a voice crying in the wilderness. There will be plenty of times when this is what it will feel like to us – no one listening and a seeming waste of time. However, that is not our problem. It is up to God to make our voices of truth heard by others. It is His grace that will prepare peoples’ hearts for the Gospel. Fr. Steve Tynan, MGL REFLECTION QUESTION: Are you doing all that you can to help proclaim the Good News of salvation to the world? Holy Spirit, increase my zeal for the Gospel so that I will more faithfully live and proclaim its truth to everyone I meet. St. Juan Diego, pray for us. Do you want to receive this in your email. To get Bo Sanchez to send it to you personally, register and log-on to http://kerygmafamily.com. Lots of surprises await.

Today's Gospel Reading - Saturday, December 8, 2012 with Reflection

Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception of the Virgin Mary

Today is a holy day of obligation in the Philippines as it is one of the patronal feasts of the Philippines. Yes, it does seem that we are celebrating a feast that ascribes to Mary an unfair advantage, but in her life, she still had to deal with temptation like the rest of us, perhaps even more so as the devil would have worked very hard to deflect her from her destiny to become the Mother of God.

1^ST READING - Genesis 3:9-15, 20

P S A L M - Psalm 98:1, 2-3, 3-4

R: Sing to the Lord a new song, for he has done wondrous deeds.

1 Sing to the Lord a new song, for he has done wondrous deeds; his right hand has won victory for him, his holy arm.(R) 2 The Lord has made his salvation known: in the sight of the nations he has revealed his justice. 3 He has remembered his kindness and his faithfulness toward the house of Israel.(R) All the ends of the earth have seen the salvation by our God. 4 Sing joyfully to the Lord, all you lands; break into song; sing praise. (R)

2^ND READING - Ephesians 1:3-6, 11-12

GOSPEL ACCLAMATION

Hail, Mary, full of grace, the Lord is with you; blessed are you among women.

Luke 1:26-38

26 The angel Gabriel was sent from God to a town of Galilee called Nazareth, 27 to a virgin betrothed to a man named Joseph, of the house of David, and the virgin’s name was Mary. 28 And coming to her, he said, “Hail, full of grace! The Lord is with you.” 29 But she was greatly troubled at what was said and pondered what sort of greeting this might be. 30 Then the angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God. 31 Behold, you will conceive in your womb and bear a son, and you shall name him Jesus. 32 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, 33 and he will rule over the house of Jacob forever, and of his Kingdom there will be no end.” 34 But Mary said to the angel, “How can this be, since I have no relations with a man?” 35 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. 36 And behold, Elizabeth, your relative, has also conceived a son in her old age, and this is the sixth month for her who was called barren; 37 for nothing will be impossible for God.” 38 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.

SABBATH

CHOOSE HOLINESS Would you rather punch or be punched? Would you rather rob or be robbed? Would you rather kill or be killed? Tough question, right? Studying Philosophy in the early years of my priestly studies, I remember being struck by Socrates’ response to the abovementioned questions. He proposed that it is better to suffer evil than to commit it. Meaning, one should choose to be punched than to punch, to be robbed than to rob, to be killed than to kill. I must admit, my instincts gravitate towards the first set of actions. Yet there is the Socratic principle: Better to suffer evil than to commit evil. What is Socrates’ reason behind this principle? When you do evil, you hurt yourself more than the other. The other is hurt physically. But you hurt yourself spiritually. Physical hurt is temporary. Spiritual hurt is longer lasting. And since your soul is immortal, the repercussions of your actions can be eternal. This is a pagan articulating a very Christian principle. To commit an evil act, a person has to act contrary to love; that is, contrary to his or her own fulfillment, as well as contrary to the fulfillment of another. This is why the Catechism teaches that “mortal sin destroys charity in the heart.” And when charity is lost in the soul, the consequences are eternal. Today, the Church celebrates the feast of the Immaculate Conception of Mary. In a singular privilege, Mary was preserved from the stain of original sin through the preventive merits of Jesus Christ’s salvific act, as she was chosen beforehand to be the mother of the Son of God. In Mary, the Immaculate One, we are reminded of the incompatibility of sin with holiness. That sin hurts the person more spiritually than physically. And that it is preferable to suffer physical evil than to commit it thereby hurting one’s soul. Now we understand the saints. Now we understand the martyrs. Fr. Joel Jason REFLECTION QUESTION: Would you rather suffer evil or commit it? Lord Jesus, help me to be steadfast to Your Word. O Mary Immaculate, intercede for us. Amen.

Blessed Virgin Mary, pray for us.

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Lots of surprises await.

Practical Ways to Enter Into Advent

http://www.catholicity.com/mccloskey/advent.html

by Father John McCloskey

There are many practical ways through which we can enter into the season of Advent.

Liturgical seasons exist not only for the purpose of celebrating Mass on Sundays, but also for our own daily spiritual benefit. Here are a number of ways in which we can more fully enter into the spirit of Advent – a spirit of expectation, watchfulness, repentance and joy.

Prayer

Pray the Rosary every day and concentrate on the Joyful Mysteries.

Do a vigil at an abortion center with some friends. You may save a baby and perhaps change the minds of the 'Herods' who run them.

Fasting

Make a fasting program for Advent and be temperate in food and drink at Christmas parties.

Watch as little television as you can during this time and perhaps watch some classic Christmas movies as a family or with friends

Get the shopping done now and put it behind you.

Giving

Look up the spiritual and corporal works of mercy and do one each week until the close of the Christmas season. There are lots of hurting people out there and they need to feel and receive your love.

Talk about the Sacrament of Penance with friends and family and bring them to a good priest who will restore them to grace. How can you beat that for a Christmas present?

Action

Buy and read Pope Benedict's new book about the child Jesus.

Don't throw out your Christmas tree or put the crèche back in the attic the day after Christmas, when the Christmas season has just started.

Get a head start on those new year's resolutions.

Fr. McCloskey's pastoral suggestions are just a few of the ways that one can prayerfully enter into Advent. The Church offers us this time of expectation so that we can more fully prepare for the joy and grace received on Christmas.

Published December 4, 2012 on Aleteia.org.

VIDEOS AND DVDS
BY FR. MCCLOSKEY
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The Pope's New Book: Free Shipping

“The Jesus of Nazareth project will be Pope Benedict’s great legacy.” --Scott Hahn   In his Jesus of Nazareth series, Pope Benedict XVI paints a rich, compelling portrait of Jesus while inviting us to encounter, face-to-face, the central figure of the Christian Faith. This week only, Sophia Institute Press is offering Free Shipping on any book from the Jesus of Nazareth Trilogy This is a limited time offer! (apply coupon code FreeShipUSA at checkout.) In his latest book, The Infant Narratives, you'll read the Holy Father's ardent defense of the virgin birth, his reflections on the star of Bethlehem, and how the stories of Jesus' infancy and childhood are as relevant today as they were two thousand years ago. Jesus of Nazareth: The Infancy Narratives By Pope Benedict XVI 144 Pages   We are also offering you the three-volume, hardcover set at the discounted price of Only $64.95--PLUS free shipping!          The Jesus of Nazareth Series by Pope Benedict XVI Hardcover Editions.  Discounted 3-vol. set price: $64.95 This Trilogy is an essential addition to any library, and it makes a perfect Christmas gift for any Catholic friend or family member you know. And if you order by Sunday evening, we guarantee it will arrive before the holidays. Click here to order the discounted, three-volume set. Whether you order one--or all three--copies of the Holy Father's trilogy, your entire order will be shipped at no cost to you. At checkout apply code: FreeShipUSA Guaranteed stateside delivery of in-stock books by December 24th, or your order is free. Offer expires 12/9/12 (Free shipping available to U.S. addresses only.)   Don't forget, that from now until Sunday, we are offering free shipping on any book you order when you apply coupon code FreeShipUSA Nearly 150 titles to choose from, including these fine Catholic books . . .                                                                                                                                                                                                                                         Click here to choose from even more fine Catholic books At checkout apply code: FreeShipUSA Guaranteed stateside delivery of in-stock books by December 24th, or your order is free. Offer expires 12/9/12 (Free shipping available to U.S. addresses only.) Order online above, or call 1-800-888-9344 www.SophiaInstitute.com Sophia Institute Press Box 5284, Manchester, NH 03108 USA