December 2022

December is the season for heartfelt traditions: Advent and Christmas.

The first Sunday in Advent, Fr. Matthew told us that Advent is not only a time often forgotten, but also a difficult season to celebrate because of the commercialism: Even before Halloween, Christmas items fill the stores.  Still, Advent is a time of reflection.  “Are we becoming more like Jesus?  Was this past year good, better, worse?  Is this time to hope for something— or to lose sight of life’s meaning?  You’ve got to rekindle that hope in the righteous shoot: Jesus.  A king is coming, a shepherd king!  Experience Advent.  Slow down.  Reflect.  Experience the fullness of hope” (St. Joseph Church, Port Aransas, TX; Lanoux’s notes from December 2, 2018).

We are meant to be companions to one another, a source of mutual joy, wisdom, and strength.  This is a good time to give thanks to God for those who make our heart leap for joy and to ask for the grace to let the sound of our voice be a source of delight for others (Barbara Reid, OP).

We are preparing not simply for the holiday season but for the coming of the Lord Jesus with power and great glory.  We anticipate not just the celebration of Jesus’s birth— we anticipate his return to complete the transformation of this world into a world of justice, peace, and love (Leslie J. Hoppe, OFM).

December mailing (English & Spanish)

   

   

Sunday reflections (OLPH bulletins: Advent 2016)

1st: Hope…  For you do not know on which day your Lord will come (Matthew 24:42).  People who have had health issues or near-death experiences generally have a greater appreciation for each day being a gift from God.  The rest of us usually take for granted that we will be around tomorrow.  But when you start to look at each day as a gift, you realize all the little miracles that happen daily and grow in gratitude for all that we have been given.

2nd: Love…  Therefore, every tree that does not bear good fruit will be cut down and thrown into the fire (Matthew 3:10).  Do you bear good fruit for Christ?  Or do you spend your time, talent, and treasure constantly acquiring more toys, clutter, and junk?  Our time, talent, and treasure are gifts that God has given us.  What we do with them is our gift back to God.  What gifts are you planning to give to the Lord during this upcoming Christmas season?

3rd: Joy…  You, too, must be patient.  Make your hearts firm because the coming of the Lord is at hand (James 5:8).  Patience is… one of those things many of us struggle with.  We want things to go according to our plan and our schedule.  Any change brings anxiety and fear.  Through daily prayer we better align ourselves with God’s will and his plan, which is far better than anything we can come up with on our own.

4th: Peace…  When Joseph awoke, he did as the angel of the Lord had commanded him and took his wife into his home (Matthew 1:24).  Let us place our complete trust in the Lord without expecting anything in return, strive to put God first in all things, and follow him wherever he may lead us.  As we prepare for the birth of our Lord, let us pray for the strength and courage to be a model of discipleship just as Joseph was.

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Blessings 2023…  April 2023…  August 2023…  Christ’s glory…  Christmas 2023…  December 2023…  February 2023…  Flame within…  God’s gift…  January 2023…  July 2023…  June 2023…  Love’s heart…  March 2023…  May 2023…  November 2023…  October 2023…  September 2023…

Blessings 2022…  August 2022…  Journey’s light…  July 2022…  June 2022…  Kiss of God…  May 2022…  Mourning joy…  November 2022…  October 2022…  October saints…  September 2022…  Sight…  Sitka’s St. Michael… St. Michael prayers