Daily

Advent Re.lections 2015

2015 Our Lady of Perpetual Help Catholic Church
Scripture texts in this work are taken from the New American Bible,
revised edition 2010, 1991, 1986, 1970 Confraternity of Christian
Doctrine, Washington, D.C. and are used by permission of the
copyright owner. All Rights Reserved. No part of the New American
Bible may be reproduced in any form without permission in writing
from the copyright owner.

Introduc)on

Advent 2015

Grant your faithful, we pray, almighty God,

the resolve to run forth to meet your Christ
with righteous deeds at his coming
This is the opening prayer for Mass on the .irst Sunday of Advent. It
might strike you as a little strange that we begin a season of quiet,
re.lection and prayer by asking God, in our very .irst prayer, to give
us the resolve to run forth to meet your Christ It doesnt seem
very quiet or re.lective at all, but something more busy and active.
So did we just ask the Lord to bless us with a busy, hectic activity.illed Advent? No, thankfully. This prayer isnt about a physical
running forth here and there, but about what is supposed to
happen within our hearts. Its a running forth into the quiet, silence
and peace of prayer where the Lord can do what he needs to do in
order to prepare our hearts for the coming of Christ.
Something interesting happens in prayer: the quieter and more still
we become, the more busy and active the Lord becomes within our
hearts. Maybe this is why we sometimes avoid prayer, because we
dont really want the Lord changing too much within us. We get
comfortable with our routines and in the safety of our comfort
zones.
My prayer for us this Advent is that we wont fear the quiet of
prayer. I hope that this booklet of Advent re.lections, written by our
parish staff, will help you to take time this Advent to meet the Lord
and allow him the space and time to be at work within your hearts,
preparing you for the coming of Christ. May God bless you and your
loved ones this season!

Rev. Erik Arnold, Pastor

Sunday, November 29, 2015 + 1st Week of Advent

Jer 33:14-16 + Ps 25:4-5, 8-9, 10, 14 + 1 Thes 3:124:2, Luke

21:25-28, 34-36
The days are coming, says the LORD, when I will ful@ill the promise I
made Jeremiah 33:14

But Wait, There's More!

Every year, Advent begins without any mention of Christmas no
angels, no shepherds, no magi. Instead, our readings on the .irst
Sunday of Advent always look ahead to what we are still waiting for
(Jesus coming again in glory), not what has already happened (his
birth in Bethlehem). Advent begins by reminding us that God isn't
.inished yet, there is still more to come. This is such a hopeful
thought in the midst of our struggles and dif.iculties each day. God
isn't .inished yet. He's not done with me and he's not done with the
world. Advent tells us that God is still deeply and intimately
involved in our world: The days are coming, says the LORD, when I
will ful.ill the promise I made
So let's begin Advent in a simple way: by choosing to put our
faith and trust in that truth that God isn't done with me and the
world yet. The way we approach our struggles, dif.iculties and
trials changes when we believe that the Lord is still somehow active
in the midst of them all, even if we don't know exactly how or in
what way.
Prayer: Lord Jesus, I believe that when you became one of us two
thousand years ago, you joined yourself to us in a permanent way.
Help me to believe that you're not .inished yet, especially in the
areas of my life where I most struggle.
Put It Into Practice: The Lord wants to work through us to remind
others that he is still in the world. Look for an opportunity today to
love another through your words or deeds so that they might catch
a glimpse of Gods presence through you.

Monday, November 30, 2015 + 1st Week of Advent

Rom 10:9-18 + Ps 19:8-11 + Matt 4:18-22

For one believes with the heart and so is justi@ied,
and one confesses with the mouth and so is saved. - Rom 10:10

Head and Shoulders, Knees and Toes

So if you have a toddler or once had a toddler, I know you are now
singing, knees and toes, eyes and ears and mouth and nose This
very catchy tune is used in early childhood education to teach body
parts. Why? Because before we learn about something, we must
.irst learn its name. Then, once we understand its function we can
teach others. And what are we most comfortable teaching? Things
we love to people whom we love. Today, Scripture is very clear that
we are to participate in the mission of the Church with our words,
hearts, minds, and even our feet. But how can they call on him in
whom they have not believed? And how can they believe in him of
whom they have not heard? And how can they hear without
someone to preach? And how can people preach unless they are
sent? Re.lecting upon this verse we see that we must .irst know
the person of Christ. To know him does not rest with simply
learning facts about his life, but to know him just as one would get
to know a friend. We know our friends because we spend time with
them (Adoration), talk to them (Prayer), learn from them
(Scripture) and have been transformed by their life (Sacraments).
As we apply these aspects to our spiritual relationship with the
Trinity, we encounter Christ in a way which allows us to believe and
confess his love, his life and saving grace to all our sisters and
brothers.
Prayer: Dear God, send forth your Holy Spirit so that I may be .illed
with the joy of believing. May the love, from which you created me,
move me in courage to be a witness of your living presence in this
world.

Put It Into Practice: Over the next four weeks think about and
answer this question, How do you know Jesus is Real? Try not to
repeat what you were taught in a class or think is the right answer
to this question, but rather what you feel in your heart. The Bonus
Practice item is: Find ways to share that experience of how you
know Jesus is Real with others during Advent.

Tuesday, December 1, 2015 + 1st Week of Advent

Isa 11:1-10 + Ps 72:1-2, 7-8, 12-13, 17 + Luke 10:21-24

Turning to the disciples in private he said, Blessed are the eyes that
see what you see. For I say to you, many prophets and kings desired
to see what you see, but did not see it, and to hear what you hear, but
did not hear it.
Luke 10:23-24

An Advent Vision and Hearing Test

If we take a moment at the start of this Advent season, what do we
see and hear around us? Do we see the decorations, the lights, the
ornaments, and the gifts? Do we see Christmas sale signs or the
cards in the mail from friends and relatives far and wide? Do we
hear our favorite songs that remind us of our childhood or family
gatherings on cold snowy nights? Some of these things do add to
our enjoyment of the season, but as disciples we are blessed to see
and hear so much more. We see the Holy Spirit at work in the
generosity of giving to those in need of friendship, warmth, and
comfort. We hear the retelling of the incarnation of Christ bringing
joy to the entire world, reminding us of Gods gift to take on our
humanity in in.inite love. Thank you, Lord, for the gift of your Son,
who in the gift of discipleship has given us the eyes and ears to see
and hear you in our lives.
Prayer: Lord Jesus, give me the eyes and ears of discipleship that I
may see your works and hear your voice in every moment of my
day.
Put It Into Practice: Take .ive minutes in the middle of your day
today to re.lect on where you saw the presence of Christ or heard
his voice in the midst of your daily activities.

Wednesday, December 2, 2015 + 1st Week of Advent

Isa 25:6-10a + Ps 23:1-3a, 3b-4, 5, 6 + Matt 15:29-37

The crowds were amazedand they glori@ied the God of Israel. -
Matt 15:31

I Believe
Years ago, there was a high school Religion teacher name Father
Bellwoar. Every time one of his students questioned anything
about Jesus, he simply replied, Credo, which is the Latin word for
I believe. Although his advice was always frustrating for his
students, his words reminded them that we all have faith, a gift
from God, to help us believe.
Today, many miracles take place right before our eyes, but do we
stop to re.lect upon them, and praise God? Or, do we simply view
them as coincidences or acts of nature?
Our almighty God loves us and his heart is moved with pity when
we are suffering. He wants to bring healing to our lives. We need to
talk to God in prayer and listen to him speaking to us through his
Word, and allow his grace to open our eyes to the truths that he is
revealing to us.
So, open your hearts and minds, today, and believe, that the God
who loves you with an abundant love, is the one who will turn all of
your worries and cares to joy!
Prayer: Heavenly Father, thank you for the gift of faith. Help me to
believe and trust that all things are possible with you.
Put It Into Practice: Read todays Gospel and imagine that you are
present and sitting at Jesus feet. With a humble heart share your
thoughts and feelings as a child.

Thursday, December 3, 2015 + 1st Week of Advent

Isa 26:1-6 + Ps 118:1+8-9, 19-21, 25-27a + Matt 7:21, 24-27

Everyone who listens to these words of mine and acts on them will
be like a wise man who built his house on rock. The rain fell, the
@loods came, and the winds blew and buffeted the house.
But it did not collapse; it had been set solidly on rock. Matt 7:24-25

Solid as a Rock!
This classic passage tells us about the two foundations- the house
built on sturdy rock and the other built on wavering sand. If you
ask your average architect which of these two dwellings is going to
hold up when the storms come, you probably know the answer
youll get. So, when the storms of our messy lives start to come,
have we built our homes on the rock that is Jesus Christ? Or, do we
build upon .leeting, earthly things that crumble and wash away?
Were sometimes tempted to build upon the sand of sel.ishness
because it can look shiny and glamorous. Jesus love is steadfast,
and that strong foundation never falters. The Lord promises us
eternal life, not an easy life. So, we know that those clouds are
going to roll in and the storms are going to crash and blow against
our house of faith. On what foundation are you going to choose to
build?
Prayer: Lord Jesus, help me to look at each life experience and
choice as a brick that I can use to build upon the foundation of my
relationship with you.
Put It Into Practice: As our dwelling place of faith is made .irm on
the foundation of Christ, invite others into that home. Share your
conviction and faith in Jesus by praying with a friend or relative.

Friday, December 4, 2015 + 1st Week of Advent

Isa 29:17-24 + Ps 27:1, 4, 13-14 + Matt 9:27-31

And out of gloom and darkness, the eyes of the blind shall see. Isa
29:18

I Was Blind But Now I See

Researchers estimate that human beings take in approximately
80% of all information through sight. Naturally, other senses
combine with sight to allow us to perceive the world more clearly,
but sight is the dominant sense. And it is precisely with this
knowledge that we approach the theme of sight with a deeper
spiritual insight as found in the readings today! The Gospel of
Matthew reveals not only the beauty of physical healing, but also
healing of a spiritual nature. These blind men were outcasts who
could never experience the world in a full way. Isaiah prophesies of
a time when Israel will .inally see the work of Gods hands in their
midst- a time when out of gloom and darkness, the eyes of the
blind shall see. For Israel, being blind wasnt a physical condition,
but a condition of the heart. The people of God had spent
generations in darkness and desired to see once more. They
proclaimed with the Psalmist, I believe that I shall see the bounty
of the Lord in the land of the living. Jesus Christ heals us of our
blindness so we can once again see God for who he is, a Father rich
in mercy. We have walked in darkness for so long that weve often
missed the glory of seeing Gods hand working in our lives. Today,
we cry out with the blind men, with the Psalmist, and with all of
Israel, asking the Lord to heal us of our blindness of heart, so that
as we journey this Advent, we might be able to see more clearly the
work God is doing in our lives.
Prayer: Eternal Father, we rejoice in your Son, Jesus Christ, for the
great work you accomplish in and through him. We pray today, with
the blind men, that you might heal our blindness, that we might
once again see the fullness of your glory.

Put It Into Practice: Today, before bed, gather as a family and have
each person share at least one way they saw Gods hand working in
their life today.

Saturday, December 5, 2015 + 1st Week of Advent

Isa 30:19-21, 23-26 + Ps 147:1-2, 3-4, 5-6 + Matt 9:3510:1, 5a,

6-8
The Harvest is abundant, but the laborers are few. - Matt 9:37

There Is Work Yet to Be Done

Jesus went through the towns and villages teaching, preaching and
healing the sick. He was overwhelmed by the vast number of
people coming to him. Seeing and sensing the needs of so many,
Jesus commissioned the twelve disciples to go and heal the sick,
feed the hungry, bring hope to the hopeless in his name.
Jesus chose the disciples to serve him while he was on earth. Jesus
also invites us to pray for more people to help in the harvest, but
Jesus continues to call us to actively answer his call for the harvest
is still abundant. We can choose to follow him or remain behind.
When Jesus calls you, how will you respond?
Prayer: Dear God, as I anticipate your coming once again this
advent season, .ill my heart, my being with your love. Let me see
where you are calling me and give me the courage to respond!
Amen.
Put into Practice: During this .irst week of Advent take time to
re.lect on the above reading and discern what the Lord is stirring
within you. How will you respond?

Sunday, December 6, 2015 + 2nd Week of Advent

Bar 5:1-9 + Ps 126:1-6 + Phil 1:4-6,8-11, Luke 3:1-6

Prepare the way of the Lord, make straight his paths. Every valley
shall be @illed and every mountain and hill shall be made low. The
winding roads shall be made straight, and the rough ways made
smooth, and all @lesh shall see the salvation of God. Luke 3:4-6

No Obstacle Too Great

As we prepare our hearts to celebrate the birth of Christ, we are
reminded that there are no obstacles that the Lord cannot
overcome! What are some obstacles to deepening your
relationship with him in your life? Have our lives become so busy
that its hard to .ind the time? Its easy to blame family
commitments, work and career obligations, and other personal
interests for not making time for the Lord. We need to invite him
into those areas of our lives so that our love for him can be
strengthened and renewed.
While we often look to these external things that keep us frantic
and busy in our fast-paced world, sometimes we become the
obstacle to our relationship with Christ. We question whether we
are worthy of his love and grace, so we hesitate and fail to let him
in. This season, lets invite the Lord into those areas of our lives
where we dont feel worthy knowing that he .inds worth in every
aspect of our being. He made us beautiful in his image, and there is
no obstacle that can separate us from his love.
Prayer: Lord, I invite you into those areas of my life where I dont
feel worthy of your love. Help me to remove the obstacles in our
relationship.

Put It Into Practice: Take some time journaling on a few areas of

your life that you feel have become obstacles between you and the
Lord and focus on ways you can work to remove them.

Monday, December 7, 2015 + 2nd Week of Advent

Is 35:1-10 + Ps 85:9-14 + Luke 5:17-26
What are you thinking in your hearts? Luke 5:22

Aint No Mountain High Enough

The Gospel, today, reminds me of Marvin Gayes song, Aint No
Mountain High Enough. Despite a crowded home and the obstacle
of not being able to enter through a door, these men of faith took
their paralyzed friend and placed him in the presence of Jesus.
How many times have we let obstacles and overextended schedules
keep us from spending time with Jesus? Do we follow the crowd
and put other things .irst before God? The good news is we dont
have to climb onto rooftops to be in the presence of Jesus. He has
sent his Holy Spirit to be with us always, to guide and comfort us.
We can encounter Jesus by just listening for his voice or, receiving
him in the Eucharist.
Jesus knows what our hearts are feeling, but he is waiting for us to
come to him to receive the mercy and peace that he so freely gives
us. We need to trust that Gods grace will work in our lives, so we
will have that urgency to seek him as our friend, healer, or teacher.
There is nothing that could ever keep Gods love from us.

Prayer: Gracious God, during this Year of Mercy, let us remember
that you are forever loving and guiding us. Be with us as we share
your love with others. Amen.
Put It Into Practice: Attend Mass this weekend and receive Jesus
in the Eucharist. Take a few minutes to rest and feel his loving
grace in your heart. Share that reassurance with a family member
or friend.

Tuesday, December 8, 2015 + 2nd Week of Advent

Gn 3:9-15,20 + Ps 98:1-4 + Eph 1:3-6,11-12, Luke 1:26-38
Behold, I am the handmaid of the Lord. May it be done to me
according to your word. Luke 1:36

Close Only Counts in Horseshoes and

Handmaids
Today we celebrate the Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception of
the Blessed Virgin Mary! We celebrate, with great joy, that God, in
the fullness of his love and omniscience, preserved Mary of
Nazareth from the stain of original sin so that we might receive so
great a Savior. However, this day isnt just one for us to look at Mary
with a false humility, saying to ourselves, Ill never be able to be
that holy, or Mary was conceived without sin- I wasnt. How could
that ever be me? Today is a day for us to realize the call to holiness
and sainthood that exists for every one of us. The Immaculate
Conception, while miraculous and necessary for the salvation of the
world, is not for all of us. Even though we carry that stain of original
sin and we are wounded by our concupiscence, we are still JUST AS
ABLE to become saints as the Blessed Mother. We have to stop
settling for the close enough attitude when it comes to our
sanctity! God doesnt desire for us to settle or to be deterred by the
holy ones who have gone before us; quite the opposite! The
example of the Blessed Mother is one that should show us how
close we can get to the Lord through lives of prayer, contemplation,
and charity. Mary isnt an icon we venerate and never strive to
imitate- no, Mary is the example of closeness, of intimacy with God
that our hearts are destined for. Today let us not focus on Mary as a
distant, non-relatable example, but instead as an aiming point- as a
model of intimacy.
Prayer: Heavenly Father, we thank you for preserving your servant,
Mary, from the stain of original sin, and for raising her up as a

constant example of holiness, charity, and obedience. Help us to

emulate her in all that we do. Hail Mary
Put It Into Practice: Pray the rosary today, asking the Blessed
Mother to inspire you to become even closer and more intimate
with her Son!

Wednesday, December 9, 2015 + 2nd Week of

Advent

Isa 40:25-31 + Ps 103:1-2, 3-4, 8+10 + Matt 11:28-30

Take my yoke upon you and learn from me,
for I am meek and humble of heart. Matt 11:29

What Kind of King Is This?

The King of the Heavenly Kingdom! The .irst thought is of
something grand and perhaps distant. The Lord is indeed allpowerful. He is the Mighty King, the Sovereign Lord and the Eternal
Judge. What a consolation, then, to hear these words of this King,
Lord, and Judge what a gift to hear Him describe himself as meek
and humble of heart.
We hear about the need to have a relationship with Jesus. With any
relationship, there needs to be trust and vulnerability. This is where
we need to .ly to the Scriptures: they tell us just who it is who is
inviting us. He is our God who became man out of love for us. He is
a teacher who will not withhold the truth from us. He is steadfast in
proclaiming that the truth of the Gospel will set us free. He is a
Savior who desires to free us from our sin. He is the King who is
meek and humble of heart.
Meekness and Humility! Two things that the spirit of the world will
say do not belong in a king. The heart of the Savior is gentle. He has
lowered himself to be a child who will grow to give his life for us.
This heart is trustworthy. We can be honest with him. We can go to
prayer without thinking we need to make ourselves perfect. Why?
He is gentle and humble of heart.
Prayer: Lord Jesus Christ, thank you for coming to us. Thank you
for inviting us to trust you. Help us to be open with you about our

joys and struggles, our victories and failures. Help us to imitate you
by being meek and humble of heart.
Put into Practice: Take a little extra time in prayer simply telling
the Lord what is in your heart. Ask him for the grace to trust him
more.

Thursday, December 10, 2015 + 2nd Week of Advent

Isa 41:13-20 + Ps 145:1+9, 10-11, 12-13ab + Matt 11:11-15

From the days of John the Baptist until now, the Kingdom of heaven
suffers violence, and the violent are taking it by force. Matt 11:12

The Perseverance of St. Joseph

As the Church walks with Mary during Advent, joyfully looking to
the celebration of the birth of the Lord, we turn to Joseph as a
humble example of following Jesus. Often overlooked, Joseph shines
forth as a light to each of us. Even in his time, the kingdom of
heaven suffers violence, and he is called upon to persevere in the
will of God through great trials. Here one thinks of Joseph
protecting Mary from false accusations, or when, after the joy of
Christmas, Joseph will take his family to .lee to Egypt because of the
murderous King Herod. Even in the face of violence and in all sorts
of suffering, Joseph persevered. He knew the Lord, and was able to
trust that following him was always the best possible path. He
protected Mary and Joseph, and continued in following the way of
God. This is the wonderful blessing of being in a relationship with
the Lord. We need to look to Joseph! In the temptation to give up in
the face of suffering, we need St. Joseph to intercede for us for the
same steadfast love for Jesus, following his will to pray, love, forgive,
and live virtuous lives.
Prayer: Lord Jesus, give me the strength St. Joseph had to follow
your will no matter what dif.iculty or temptation I face.
Put It Into Practice: Joseph followed the will of God in the face of
suffering. The Lord wills for us to pray well and reach out in love to
others. Today, examine your heart to see if you have made excuses
against prayer or reaching out in love. Ask St. Joseph for the
courage to do Gods will no matter what.

Friday, December 11, 2015 + 2nd Week of Advent

Isa 48:17-19 + Ps 1:1-6 + Matt 11:16-19

I, the Lord, your God lead you on the way you should go. - Isa
48:17

Please Say Yes

It seems strange that todays readings tell us to delight in the law
of the Lord. More often, most of us would probably .ind the law of
the Lord to be prohibitive and daunting, something that restricts
our freedom and our fun. And yet the readings clearly tell us that it
is Gods law that leads us to freedom. Gods laws were never meant
to be a burden to us. Are they easy? Not usually, because being
sel.ish is easier. But are they worth it? Always. The Lord doesnt just
give us a bunch of rules to live by. He leads us in the way we should
go. So we arent just following a bunch of rules when we obey God.
We follow God Himself, who loves us and wants our greatest good.
When we say no to sel.ishness and sin, we are actually saying a
big yes to the Lord. A yes that gives Him room to work in and
through us and bless us abundantly.
Prayer: Lord, help us to trust you and see your commands as good.
Help us to resist temptation, and thereby welcome your presence
deeper into our lives. Amen.
Put It Into Practice: In each moment of temptation today, quickly
invite the Lord in and ask for his help right in the moment.

Saturday, December 12, 2015 + 2nd Week of Advent

Zec 2:14-17 or Rv 11:19;12:1-6,10 + Judith 13:18 + Luke 1:26-38

Sing and rejoice, O daughter Zion! See,
I am coming to dwell among you, says the LORD. Zec 2:14

Lord Make Your Home in Me

Sometimes when we hear something over and over, we start to
forget that it really, actually means something. So maybe its
possible to miss it when we read todays readings and see the
prophet Zechariah telling the Israelites to rejoice. But we cant
afford to miss this. Because the reason for rejoicing is huge: I am
coming to dwell among you, says the Lord. Thats right. The God of
the whole universe, the one who created everything and holds
everything in existence, is coming to be with us. And not just for a
visit; hes going to dwell with us. If the fact that the source of all
goodness and love and beauty coming to dwell with you, with us,
doesnt make you want to rejoice well, nothing will. The Lord
loves us so much that he makes his dwelling, his home, among us.
And not just among us, but in us. So that no matter where we .ind
ourselves, we can always .ind Him.
Prayer: Lord, give us the grace to welcome your presence into our
lives and into our hearts. Lord, make your home in me. Amen.
Put It Into Practice: Take the time to keep a list of the ways that
God is revealing Himself to you today, showing you how He is with
you at all times.

Sunday, December 13, 2015 + 3rd Week of Advent

Zep 3:14-18a + Is 12:2-3, 4-6 + Phil 4:4-7, Luke 3:10-18

Rejoice in the Lord always. I shall say it again: rejoice!
Philippians 4:4

Rejoice!
The Third Sunday of Advent is called Gaudete Sunday. Gaudete is
Latin for rejoice! Today, the penitential purple of the Advent
season changes to rose as we stop and re.lect on the source of true
joy - Jesus.
In todays second reading, Saint Paul reminds the Philippians to
rejoice in the Lord always and show kindness to everyone. This can
be a dif.icult task with the suffering we so often see on the news
and in our own lives. St. Paul wrote this letter from prison - he
experienced real suffering, yet remained joyful because he knew
that there was something greater. We too are called to rejoice even
amidst suffering. It is then that we should bring our prayers and
petitions to God, whose peace will surpass all! We rejoice even in
sadness because our hope is in Jesus Christ who has conquered sin
and death. We should want to shout this for all to hear!
There is only one more Sunday before Christmas - the celebration
of our Saviors birth. Be joyful. Pause and focus on experiencing
true joy that comes from prayer and giving thanks to God.
Prayer: Lord, prepare my heart for You. Remove the sadness and
hurt that makes it dif.icult for me to feel Your joy. Come into my
heart, Lord Jesus, and make me joyful.
Put It Into Practice: Share your joy with someone else. Surprise
someone with a kind act or help someone in need.

Monday, December 14, 2015 + 3rd Week of Advent

Num 24:2-7, 15-17a + Ps 25:4-5ab, 6+7bc, 8-9 + Matt 21:23-27

So they said to Jesus in reply, We do not know. Matt. 21:27

A Safe Box for Jesus

The religious leaders in the Gospel today are afraid to admit that
John the Baptist has been sent from God because if he is from God,
they would have no excuse for not believing his message. And they
would have no excuse for not believing in the one to whom he
pointed: Jesus. So when asked if John's mission was divine they
answered, "We don't know." But its not just about John, its really
about Jesus. They are afraid to admit the truth about him.

Sometimes we avoid admitting the truth about Jesus because we

don't want to have to change when our life is at odds with his
message and preaching. So we settle for calling him a good teacher,
a great man, a wonderful example, etc. All of these titles keep Jesus
in a very safe box that doesn't actually require us to change our
lives because of him. As soon as we admit that he is divine, then we
are implicitly admitting that he has authority over our lives and can
actually tell us what is right and wrong. The one that we are
expecting this Christmas is a good teacher, a great man and a
wonderful example. But he is also God. Rather than fear his
authority over your life, remember where his birth in Bethlehem is
headed: to the cross where he will die for you. You need not fear the
one who loves you and gives his life for you on the cross.
Prayer: But now, this is what the Lord saysFear not, for I have
redeemed you; I have summoned you by name; you are
mine. (Isaiah 43:1)

Put It Into Practice: Honestly talk to Jesus about what you most
fear needs to change if he has more control over your life.

Tuesday, December 15, 2015 + 3rd Week of Advent

Zep 3:1-2, 9-13 + PS 34:2-3, 6-7, 17-18, 19 AND 23 + Mt 21:28-32

Change your minds and believe him. Matt 21:32

Now Is the Time for Change

We often change our minds during our day. But, who do we rely on
for our decisions? Do we trust our instincts or Jesus teachings? In
todays gospel, Jesus refers to a man with two sons who had trouble
making up their minds. Jesus wasnt as concerned with obeying or
disobeying rules. Jesus intention was to teach the chief priests and
elders that they should listen to him, and change their minds and
hearts to follow him.
Conversion of our hearts and minds is what is desired by God. God
knew that evil had entered the world, so he sent his son, Jesus, to
save us from our sins, so we could be forgiven and remain close to
him. Our God is a God of mercy and love, but he doesnt want us to
ful.ill his will with empty promises. He wants us to change and to
do his will through our words and actions.
Just obeying the rules, doesnt make us holy. It is the changes in our
heart that God sees. There is nothing that our Father wants more
than for us to remain close to him. We need not worry about the
past, but with humble hearts admit our wrong choices, as for Gods
forgiveness, and continue living our lives with hearts that respond
to his love.
Prayer: Lord, help me to trust in your merciful love. Fill me with
your grace so that my words and actions will re.lect your love to
others. Amen.
Put It Into Practice: Receive Gods mercy and grace in the
Sacrament of Reconciliation.

Wednesday, December 16, 2015 + 3rd Week of

Advent

Is 45:6,18,21 + Ps 85:9-14 + Luke 7:18-23

and sent them to the Lord to ask. Luke 7:19

Siri, Where is
Can you imagine not having Siri to help settle disputes or answer
questions? What does it look like when Siri doesnt have the
answer and you need to rely on something else? When life presents
us with the BIG questions, to where do we turn? Give it a try and
ask Siri if Jesus is Christ? You will get something like: I would ask
you to direct spiritual questions to someone, like a human or Im
really not equipped to answer such questions. Siri knows Siris
limits. Siri is silicon, not human and therefore cannot know Christ.
To know Christ is far more than memorizing the facts of his life and
teachings. To know Christ is to encounter his love and allow that
experience to guide your every step so that you will yearn to follow
is life and his teachings. Many of us believe in something or
someone because of eye witness. Unlike the disciples of John, we
are not eye witnesses to Christs miracles. Or are we? Do we not
witness the beauty of a changed life in one who grows close in
personal relationship with the Lord? Do we seek the freedom from
the burden of sin found in reconciliation and act as witness to a
changed life because of this freedom? If we are called as humans to
answer the question, Is Jesus the Christ? we must move closer in
relationship with him so that we may encounter his love, his power
and his grace.
Prayer: Lord Jesus, when my eyes fail to see your ways in my life,
please let my heart burn in recognition of your presence. Teach me
new means and methods to hear you.

Put It Into Practice: As the Lord presents a chance to share the

story of Jesus with someone. Take courage at this chance and pray
for others to come to know him.

Thursday, December 17, 2015 + 3rd Week of Advent

Gen 49:2, 8-11 + Ps 72:1-2, 12-13, 18-19 + Matt 1:1-17

Jacob the father of Joseph, the husband of Mary. Of her was born
Jesus who is called the Christ. Matt 1:16

God Born into a Family

At .irst glance, the list of names at the beginning of the Gospel of
Matthew can seem rather unimportant, and that we should skip it
and jump into the story. However, this list of names is quite a story
in itself! Jesus family tree is quite dysfunctional, and it is into this
mess our Savior came to be with us. This is the Lord who is inviting
you to pray! He was born into a family, and knows our joys and
sorrows. He is inviting you today to welcome him into the life of
your family in a deeper way. Family prayer is worth the effort, and it
doesnt need to be complicated. One simple way is for each person
to thank the Lord and ask a blessing, then all pray an Our Father
and Hail Mary together at the end. Jesus is also inviting you today
to be real with him about your family you dont need to hide the
dysfunction. He knows that family life has joys and sorrows, times
of gratitude and times of temptation and frustration. Let your
prayers bear all of this, and let him into the messier times. This is
how he came to us 2,000 years ago: into the mess. This is how he
comes to us now.
Prayer: Lord Jesus, make your presence known in my family. Help
us to love you together. Heal the wounds that exist, and teach us to
love one another.


Put It Into Practice: Take extra time to pray for each member of
your family, placing each relationship before him and talking to him
about each person.

Friday, December 18, 2015 + 3rd Week of Advent

Jer 23:5-8 + Ps 71:3-4a, 5-6ab, 16-17 + Matt 1:18-25

When Joseph awoke, he did as the angel of the Lord had commanded
him and took his wife into his home. Matt 1:24

Actions Speak Louder than Words

I admit I had not meditated on St. Joseph until the writing of this
re.lection. In reading this Gospel account of Josephs dilemma of
Mary, his betrothed being with child, I was surprised to realize that
he never speaks a word. The man chosen to be the earthly father of
Jesus is not only silent in Scripture but he is mentioned only a few
times in the Gospels. Yet he stands as such a dynamic .igure. Why?
It must be that actions speak louder than words. Joseph did as the
angel of the Lord commanded and took Mary into his home; he
cared for her and protected her. When the child was born he named
him Jesus in obedience to Gods messenger.
Joseph exempli.ies faith and trust in God. Im sure he did not fully
understand, yet he was obedient to Gods Will. The result? His
cooperation with God brought each of us the opportunity of
salvation through Jesus Christ. What an awesome gift we can give
the world when we emulate Josephs faith in God.
Prayer: Lord, we thank you for the example of St. Joseph. Please
help us grow in our Faith and trust in You. May the words, Faith
seeking understanding be written on our hearts.
Put It Into Practice: Take some time today to ask God the Father to
strengthen your Faith. Light your rose colored Advent Candle and
rejoice in Gods love.

Saturday, December 19, 2015 + 3rd Week of Advent

Judg 13:2-7, 24-25a + Ps 24:1-2, 3-4ab, 5-6 + Luke 1:1-25

I am an old man, and my wife is advanced in years. Luke 1:18

Life, Where There Was no Life

Gods plan for our salvation played out over the course of centuries
as a series of steps that, little by little, kept moving things along. In
that wonderful string of events that led to the coming of Jesus,
many involved the miracle of God bringing life where, up to that
point, there had been no life. We have two such events in our
readings today with the announcement of the births of Samson and
John the Baptist, both born of parents who were considered barren.
Coming centuries apart, they are part of the Fathers plan to
prepare for the coming of his own Son. And the work of salvation
that Jesus will accomplish is the greatest act of God bringing life
where there was no life: But God, being rich in mercy, because of
His great love with which He loved us, even when we were dead in
our transgressions, made us alive together with Christ. (Ephesians
2:4-5)
God is life. And he wants to share his life with us. Each of us has
areas of our lives that we experience as barren relationships,
situations at home or at work, prayer, etc. This Advent we pray that
those barren areas of our lives might be drawn into Gods
wonderful work of bringing life where, up to this point, there had
been no life.
Prayer: You will not abandon me to the realm of the dead, nor will
you let your faithful one see decay. Psalm 16:10
Put It Into Practice: Like the parents of Samson and John, our .irst
act is to believe that God can bring life. As you go through the day,
offer this prayer: Lord, I believe that you can bring life.

Sunday, December 20, 2015 + 4th Week of Advent

Mi 5:1-4 + Ps 80:2-3,15-16,18-19 + Heb 10:5-10, Luke 1:39-45

For at the moment the sound of your greeting reached my ears, the
infant in my womb leaped for joy. Luke 1:44

Recognizing and Responding to Christ

Entering into the presence of Jesus can often be an ordinary event.
We enter a church, take our seats, and begin to pray oftentimes in a
routine-like manner. But when we take the time to recognize the
presence of the Lord and invite Him to truly make himself known to
us, the routine-like moment can be transformed. It doesnt usually
happen in huge and grand ways with thunder and lightning, but
when we take the time to recognize Him, normal events become
different. The peace and silence found in the adoration chapel on
Fridays, time friends share with each other, conversations we have
with co-workers can be routine or normal events, or they can be
transformed if and when we invite Christ into them.
John the Baptist is often called the second disciple because of his
response (in his mothers womb!) to the presence of Jesus when
Mary visits Elizabeth. How can we model our own behavior after
Johns in responding to Christs presence in our day-to-day
activities and interactions?
Prayer: Lord, I invite you into this moment. Transform it by your
presence. Let it bring you glory.
Put It Into Practice: Take a moment today where you pray the
above prayer and invite Christ to transform it. Re.lect on how it was
different because of your own recognition of His presence.

Monday, December 21, 2015 + 4th Week of Advent

Song of Songs 2:8-14 or Zeph 3:14-18a + Ps 33:2-3,11-12,20-21 +

Luke 1:39-45
When Elizabeth heard Marys greeting, the infant leaped
in her womb Luke 1:41

Marys Embrace
Many years ago my daughter handed me a book entitled Marys
Peace Plan From Heaven. It is the story of Fatima and the Blessed
Mothers request for everyone to say the Rosary every day for
world peace. As I read the story I felt Mary embrace my heart and
invite me personally to take part in her plan. My response to Marys
invitation has brought Jesus into my daily life in a profound and
joyful way by praying the Rosary.
In todays Gospel we .ind Mary, a young virgin, carrying Jesus in her
womb as she travels to visit her elderly cousin Elizabeth, who is
also with child. Elizabeth has kept herself hidden from society for
the last .ive months. As Mary and Elizabeth embrace, the child in
Elizabeths womb leaps for joy. This touching scene is known as
The Visitation not only in Scripture but also as the second Joyful
Mystery of the the Rosary.
Just as Mary brought Jesus to Elizabeth and ended Elizabeths
seclusion, Mary embraced me in my spiritual isolation and invited
me into a deeper relationship with her Son through the mysteries
of the Rosary.
Prayer: Lord, Jesus, we thank you for the gift of Mary, Your Mother
and ours. May we follow her example of charity by bringing You
into our daily lives and sharing Your love with others.
Put It Into Practice: Pray the Rosary for peace and meditate on the
life of Jesus as the source of that peace.

Tuesday, December 22, 2015 + 4th Week of Advent

1 Sm 1:24-28 + 1 Sm 2:1,4-5,6-8 + Luke 1:46-56

The Almighty has done great things for me. - Luke 1:49

Magni[icat
In this gospel passage, Mary has gone to the hill country to help her
cousin, Elizabeth, who is pregnant with John the Baptist. Elizabeth
acknowledges Marys blessedness as the mother of Jesus, the
Messiah. Mary responds to Elizabeth with a song of praise,
thanksgiving and grateful joy known as the Magni.icat.
The Magni.icat is a beautiful prayer in which Mary proclaims Gods
greatness, wonder and mercy. Mary glori.ied God in song for what
he was going to do for the world through her. Mary, a woman of
deep faith, was conscious that she had a mission to ful.ill for
humanity. She trusted in Gods word.
The Church throughout the world recites this prayer of praise each
night in the Liturgy of the Hours. It calls the church, the people of
God, to see Gods greatness and believe and trust in his word. It
summons us to be people of hope for a world so desperately in
need of God to be birthed into humanity today.
Prayer: With Mary, my soul sings your praises this day and my
spirit rejoices in you, O Lord.

Put It Into Practice: In lighting the four advent candles, take a step
back from the busyness of preparing for Christmas and with a
grateful heart recognize what the Almighty has done for us.

Wednesday, December 23, 2015 + 4th Week of

Advent

Mal 3:1-4, 23-24 + Ps 25:4-5, 8-9, 10, 14 + Luke 1:57-66

He asked for a tablet and wrote,
John is his name and all were amazed. Luke 1:63

Powerful Statements Come in Simple

Sentences
A friend of mine travels the country teaching Bible Studies. One
day in discussion with a person of Jewish faith the man shared,
You are the .irst Christian who hasnt told me that I need to accept
Jesus Christ as my Lord and Savior. Why didnt you try to convert
me? My friend responded with, Because thats not my job. Im
called to share the truth of Jesus Christ. And I know with all my
heart that God sent his only begotten Son to earth, who humbled
himself to become one of us, suffered with us, died among us, and
rose from the dead so that I could go to heaven and you could go to
heaven. My job is to share the message of Jesus Christ with you and
pray for you to come to know Jesus. It is not my job to convert you.
Its the job of the Holy Spirit to convert the heart and if he fails he
can take it up with the Big Guy upstairs. Wow, I thought, that is
what it means when we say, share the Good News. How easy and
how simple! I can do this! And to top it off the whole pressure of
conversion is not mine to hold. All I need to do is call upon the Holy
Spirit, share my heart for Jesus and speak of Him. Just as
Zechariahs participation was with a simple phrase, John is his
name, our call to evangelize does not need to be complicated.
Prayer: Lord Jesus, help me to entrust the sins of my past to your
mercy in the Sacrament of Reconciliation. Give me the courage to
speak your holy name so all will know the Good News of your love
and saving grace for us.

Put It Into Practice: How can you live your life differently so that
others may come to know of His Christmas gift to us - eternal life in
the Kingdom of Heaven?

Thursday, December 24, 2015 + 4th Week of Advent

2 Sam 7:1-5, 8b-12, 14a, 16 + Ps 89:2-3, 4-5, 27+29 + Luke 1:67-79

Blessed be the Lord, the God of Israel;
for he has come to his people and set them free. - Luke 1:67

Knowing Is Not Necessarily Believing

In todays gospel, we .ind Zechariah, new father to John the Baptist,
.illed with the Holy Spirit and proclaiming praise to the Lord.
Interestingly enough, he is not praising the Lord because Elizabeth,
who was barren, was .inally able to have the son he always wanted,
though surely he was enormously grateful for that. No, he is
praising the Lord because he has come to realize anew that the
Lord is real and powerful, and is .inally ful.illing his promise for a
savior. God is faithful and God is here, and Zechariah wants
everyone to know about it! Gods prophets spoke more than pep
talks and his promises were oh-so-real. He has been preparing all of
humanity for this moment, this time when He Himself will come to
set us free. Zechariah was a priest, and so had known all of this for
most of his life. But it wasnt until he opened his heart to the Lord
more fully that he was able to go from knowing the truth, to
believing the truth. And that changes everything. Blessed be the
Lord indeed.
Prayer: Lord, we have heard your promises and learned your
words. Now give us the grace to truly believe it in our hearts and
proclaim it with our lives. Amen.
Put It Into Practice: Take some time during the busyness of today
to invite the Lord deeper into your heart. Ask Jesus to be born in
your life, that you might be .illed with the truth of his love this
Christmas.

Friday, December 25, 2015 + Christmas Day

Is 9:1-6 + Ps 96:1-3,11-13 + Ti 2:11-14, Luke 2:1-14

Glory to God in the highest and on earth peace to
those on whom his favor rests Luke 2:14

The Wedding of Humanity and Divinity

Merry Christmas! Be merry today for the Savior of the world
has been born to us - Emmanuel, God is with us. Jesus Christ is
born and salvation has come for the people of God, for all on whom
his favor rests. The early Church celebrated the Nativity of the Lord
by recognizing this great feast as a great wedding. Church Fathers
spoke of the Nativity as the great wedding of humanity and divinity.
Is that something you ever thought of? I know for me it was a new
way of thinking about Christmas, but it was also a great scope with
which I could look at this feast. Not only do we celebrate the
culmination of this season of Advent, all of our waiting, fasting,
prayer, and preparation, but we also celebrate the beauty of the
Incarnation! How great a love we experience in this single event!
Today, as we celebrate the Nativity, lets not just focus on presents,
pretty lights and trees, or the time we spend with our families, but
lets contemplate the immensity of the Incarnation and what it
means for us- God becomes man so that man can become more like
God- and lets celebrate the great wedding feast of the divine to the
human!

Prayer: Lord, Jesus Christ, we praise and thank you for your
humility and meekness. Thank you for the Incarnation, for making
yourself so small and innocent so that you could become expiation
for our sins. Help us to come to know better the beauty of your
Incarnation!
Put It Into Practice: Enjoy your day with family! When giving or
receiving presents, make sure you dont just thank the giver, but be
sure to thank the Lord for his many gifts as well!