Christ Be Our Light

Advent is upon us, and we have less than one week before Christmas!  While I'm spiritually preparing for Christmas, my social obligations and gifts are a different story.  I don't feel prepared.  I don't have cards written; my decorations are missing - you might wonder why I've embraced the minimalist approach to Christmas decor and not my desk!  On one hand, I'm not interested in skipping over Advent just because it's socially acceptable to do.  This really awesome video does an excellent summary of Advent.

My favorite part?

Looking back

This time last year I was preparing for a trip of a lifetime - a pilgrimage to the Holy Land.  How do you top that?  Looking back on this year it's been amazing and ordinary, challenging and blah.  Apparently I don't do the middle ground.  So my prayer this Advent is for a continued awakening.  One day, one person, one moment at a time.  Join me, won't you?

". . . Therefore, it says:  'Awake, O sleeper, and arise from the dead, and Christ will give you light.'"  ~Ephesians 5:14

Year of Mercy

I have great hopes for this next year. I anticipate a year of hope, love, and mercy. I suppose this should be my expectation most days, but life tends to distract me and make it easy to forget the positives. December 8 is the Feast of the Immaculate Conception, and this year it also marks the beginning of the Jubilee of Mercy. Visit the official website to learn more. So, as we embark on this Year of Mercy, consider what mercy can do for you. 

"And Mary said:
“My soul glorifies the Lord
and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior,
for he has been mindful
of the humble state of his servant.
From now on all generations will call me blessed,
for the Mighty One has done great things for me—
holy is his name.
His mercy extends to those who fear him,
from generation to generation.
He has performed mighty deeds with his arm;
he has scattered those who are proud in their inmost thoughts.
He has brought down rulers from their thrones
but has lifted up the humble.
He has filled the hungry with good things
but has sent the rich away empty.
He has helped his servant Israel,
remembering to be merciful
to Abraham and his descendants forever,
just as he promised our ancestors.”"

~Luke 1:46-55

The 11th Hour

I know I've got a few posts in the wings that need to come out, but I wanted to comment on something I heard at Mass Monday night.  In the last day(s) before Christmas, we must remember that we are still in Advent.  There may be lists and tasks and distractions, but our spiritual preparations are not yet finished.  There are still graces to be received, and we shouldn't rush ahead to Christmas without fully living the Advent season.  It's tough, I know.  As with most holidays (secular or religious-based), the day after the event marks the countdown to the next holiday!  As Christians, Christmas begins after Advent ends, and continues through to the Baptism of our Lord, celebrated 2 Sundays later, which hinges Christmas and Ordinary time in our liturgical year.  The twelve days of Christmas (which isn't just a long Christmas song) begin the day AFTER Christmas.

I'm as guilty as the next person, but the great thing is that I can change.  I will work on being mindful of the season, doing my best to be fully present in the present.  I challenge you to make a quick Advent prayer, perhaps asking for the graces that God wishes to impart in the final hours of this season of preparation.  What spiritual blessings are waiting for us, for our undivided attention?  

Prayer - Lord, it is sometimes tough to live in the present.  Help us focus on this time of preparation so that we can be receive Your abundant graces, just as the fields receive rain in due time.  Your timing is perfect; help us trust in You.

"Therefor be patient, brethren, until the coming of the Lord.  The farmer waits for the precious produce of the soil, being patient about it, until it gets the early and late rains.  You too be patient; strengthen your hearts, for the coming of the Lord is near."  ~James 5:7-8

Getting closer

It's less then a month from the start of my trip.  A lot can happen in that time.  I feel as though time will simultaneously crawl and fly.  Not sure how that could be possible, but that's just the sense I get.  I've already begun packing, or at least collecting the items I will need.

I have finished my 'guide book', Jesus: A Pilgrimage by Fr. James Martin.  Highly recommend.  It's like a pilgrimage without the hassle of travel!  I am diligently exercising for our tour, and I'm praying.  My prayer requests include the desire that this is a fruitful trip, and that I am open to God.

Advent has been a great time to prepare.  The anticipation that describes our Advent journey, certainly applies here.  I think my biggest challenge is/will be enjoying process before the trip even happens.  So many good things have come into my life already.  I've had an outpouring of prayer support, several conversations with people who have been there, and opportunities to share my faith with people of all faiths.  It's overwhelming and humbling all at once.
One of the most incredible parts of my preparation so far has been the prayer requests.  When I started telling friends and family, I offered to carry any prayer requests they had.  I was not prepared for the immense feeling of purpose I had when people shared their requests with me.  I was not prepared for the weight of responsibility that I felt.  My trip took on another dimension once I offered to be a messenger.  It's not that I believe God hears prayers better from the Holy Land, but the power of intercessory prayer became very apparent.  I have begun and continue to lift up the prayer requests as a part of my preparation.  It has also reminded me to identify my own prayers so I can recognize God's answer when it comes.

The journey continues, each day bringing me closer to one of my heart's desires.  Psalm 37:4 fits my thoughts so well right now, "Find your delight in the Lord who will give you your heart's desire."  
I hope to keep living this, long after I return from this pilgrimage.

Patience, prayer, and trust.

Second Sunday of Advent - 2014

http://usccb.org/bible/readings/120714.cfm

Quick recap:

1st Reading - Isaiah - announce the coming of our God

Psalm 85 - Lord, let us see your kindness, and grant us your salvation.

Epistle - 2 Peter - God's time, prepare for the Lord

Gospel - Mark - Introduction of John the Baptist

Our God is coming! Yet, our God is here, and our God was born into our world over 2000 years ago. We must remember that we celebrate Jesus' coming in history, mystery, and majesty.

In the season of Advent, it is easy to focus on the history of Jesus' birth. However, we must go beyond the history to realize the breadth and depth of the presence of God. The mystery of Jesus' coming is something we experience every day of our life, through the Holy Spirit, and especially when we celebrate the Mass. Many others, much wiser than myself, can delve into these thoughts more clearly, but I consider the mystery piece to be both comforting and confusing! Comforting that our Lord is continually present; in our daily life, in the people we meet, and in our prayers and actions (hopefully!). Confusing because we cannot comprehend God's complete love for each of us, nor are we able to fathom the Paschal Mystery. Jesus Christ's passion, death, and Resurrection gave us the gift of salvation. Wow! Finally, the majesty speaks to Jesus' coming at the end of time, when He will sit in judgment of the world.

Whew! That gives me a lot more to consider during Advent. Maybe this year I can include a new focus in my Advent preparations: to prayerfully ponder Christ's coming in mystery each and every day. Especially during the final days of Advent when life becomes even more hectic.

Prayer - Lord, As I continue to learn, I am amazed at all of the ways You reach out to me. Grant me the grace to grow in knowledge of Your love for me. May I remember that You love me as I am, right now.

Thankful Thursday 12/4/14

I'm falling into my trap of perfection again.  If I don't reflect properly or quickly or some other adverb, then I can't post anything until I catch up.  It's a terrible misconception on my part.  On one hand, there are so many great things during the season of Advent which lend to my reflection and contemplation.  On the other hand, I believe that there will always be opportunities for reflection, so waiting doesn't get me anywhere in my writing.

Quandary of quandaries.  This feels very chicken/egg :)

So, in the interest of consistency, here is my latest 'Thankful Thursday', albeit a little delayed:

The season of Advent is my current chart-topper in thankfulness.  I have been experiencing such depth during this time, and a sense of peace.  There are so many questions, unknowns, and varieties of chaos in my life currently, yet I can trust that God has a plan.  A recent conversation with a friend reaffirmed my viewpoint.  We were discussing a longing that has been growing in me, and I commented that I felt like Advent was a good time to journey with this desire.  She agreed, and encouraged me to focus on this season of waiting as a parallel to my questions on my journey.  I have the ability to help others discern and identify their feelings, which generally means that I can't do that as well for myself.  It was wonderful to hear that feedback and have my uncertain vision lightened by her words.

Prayer - Lord, thank you for a season that gives me an opportunity to wait.  Help me to open my heart to Your call, learning to trust in Your plan.

"For I know well the plans I have in mind for you - oracle of the Lord - plans for your welfare and not for woe, so as to give you a future of hope."  ~Jeremiah 29:11

First Sunday of Advent - 2014

http://usccb.org/bible/readings/113014.cfm

Quick recap:

1st Reading - Isaiah - recognition of God's wrath with the sinful people

Psalm 80 - Lord, make us turn to you; let us see your face and we shall be saved.

Epistle - 1 Corinthians - God's grace and faithfulness

Gospel - "Be watchful! Be alert!" We do not know when the master will return.

Let the chaos ensue! Now that Advent has begun, it's like there is a giant stopwatch ticking down the days until Christmas. Unfortunately, instead of helping us prepare our spirits for the season, it tends to remind us of how many shopping days we have, and our limited time to do everything we think we must do perfectly before we can celebrate. I'm not saying that we don't have legitimate things to accomplish, but Christmas is about more than giving a certain quota of gifts. In my experience, if I take my eyes off of the purpose of Advent, I can become stressed, distracted, and worn out.  

In today's Gospel, we are commanded to pay attention, "Be watchful! Be alert! Watch!" This is a great time to re-focus, stop and take some quiet time to reconnect with our Lord. Trust me - this is a good thing to do!  

Advent 2014

Wow - it's already time for Advent. I was proud that I had my Advent wreath out right after Thanksgiving. But what does that Advent wreath mean? It sits in the middle of my table for roughly 4 weeks. Why? Thanksgiving seems to be the final speed bump before Christmas can explode everywhere - sales, decorations, lights, trees, music, and more. Sometimes those things start even before Thanksgiving, and I can be just as guilty as anyone. So, what about Advent? It is a time of preparation, yes, but not solely for the purpose of finding the perfect gifts or displaying our picturesque decorations.

4th Sunday of Advent - God is with us

http://usccb.org/bible/readings/122213.cfm

Quick recap:
1st reading - Isaiah 7 - Ahaz is not trusting God, and answers with false humility that he will not ask for a sign from God.  Isaiah's response is the prophecy of Jesus Christ!
Psalm 24 - Let the Lord enter; he is king of glory.
Epistle - Romans 1 - we are called to be holy apostles.
Gospel - Matthew 1 - Joseph's encounter with the angel after learning Mary was pregnant.

Emmanuel means "God is with us."  Jesus means "God saves the people from their sins."  According to Living Liturgy 2014, "the names reveal that the very Presence of God among us is a saving Presence."  What an amazing gift we have in Christ.  We also hear references to the role of the Holy Spirit.  We have learned of the willingness of Joseph and Mary to cooperate with the Holy Spirit.  Today, we are called to continue to that saving work by our participation with the Spirit.  In the psalm, we proclaim our anticipation for our Lord.  May we not lose sight of this joy throughout our lives.

Prayer - Lord, ready or not, Christmas is upon us.  May we pause in our frantic, last-minute tasks to appreciate the celebration of the amazing mystery that is about to unfold.  Mary and Joseph's cooperation in God's plan of salvation can be continued today in my "yes" to Your call.

Reconciliation - it is a blessing

Today I participated in the reconciliation service.  I played piano, sang, prayed, and cried - it was wonderful!   I don't know what made this experience so moving.  I suspect there are many factors that came into play, so I'll try to share some here.

1 - It is Advent.  We keep hearing that this is the time of preparation.  We are in a season of waiting.  But this waiting isn't like the desert of Lent; we anticipate the celebration of Christmas and Christ's physical arrival to our world.  So while we are busy cleaning our homes for Christmas, we should also take time to clean our soul.  It just felt good to participate in the Sacrament of Reconciliation.

2 - Bonus piece - it's Gaudete Sunday or Rejoice Sunday.  Since today happens to be the 3rd Sunday in Advent, we mark it with additional rejoicing.  We know Christmas is near, and we celebrate that we are over halfway through our waiting.  I think that just added an extra spirit of joy to the service.

3rd Sunday of Advent - Gaudete Sunday (Rejoice!)

http://usccb.org/bible/readings/121513.cfm

Quick recap:
1st Reading - Isaiah - prophecy about the coming of the Savior
Psalm 146 (with refrain from Isaiah 35) - Lord, come and save us
Epistle - James 5 - be patient as the farmer patiently waits for the growth of the crops
Gospel - Matthew 11 - Fulfillment of Isaiah's prophecy of the Savior

Rejoice in the Lord always, again I say rejoice!

Today is Gaudete Sunday or Rejoice Sunday.  We mark this as the half-way point in the season of Advent.  We signify today with the pink candle, and we know that Christmas is near.  Thus, the readings reflect the nature of today; they speak of rejoicing, fulfillment of Old Testament prophecy, patience, and hopeful anticipation.

2nd Sunday of Advent - Fire

http://usccb.org/bible/readings/120813.cfm

Quick recap:
1st Reading - Isaiah - prophecy about the shoot of Jesse
Psalm 72 - Justice shall flourish in his time, and fullness of peace for ever
Epistle - Romans 15 - encouraging peace and harmony
Gospel - Matthew 3 - John the Baptist proclaiming repentance.

This weekend, we are reminded to live for the future.  Specifically for the future coming of Jesus Christ.  It's hard to do that.  We have plenty of distractions, tasks, duties, and things that require us to live firmly in the present.  But in the Gospel, John the Baptist spells out what it means to ignore his call to repentance.


In this Gospel, fire is used to illustrate two very different points.  First, that we are to live out our Baptism and our Confirmation, having been baptized in the fire of the Holy Spirit.  Second, we are warned that if we do not produce fruitful lives (good works), then our fate will be to burn in the 'unquenchable fire'.  John the Baptist does not sugar-coat his words, so we should pay attention!  Ignoring this message could put our eternal future in jeopardy.

So, in the midst of our busy schedules, holiday preparations, and everyday tasks, how do we live our lives?  Are we 'on fire' with the Holy Spirit?  Is it evident that we are not of this world?  Or have we lost sight of the bigger picture?  We hear the admonition to 'Keep Christ in Christmas', but we need to also keep Christ's 2nd Coming in mind.  To live for Christ means being ready.  We show our readiness through our good works in our daily lives.  Don't ignore the command of John the Baptist; Now is the time to repent.

Prayer - Lord, may I not lose sight of my need to repent.  When I get caught up in the distractions of life, help me to re-focus on what really matters.

1st Sunday of Advent - Stay awake!

http://usccb.org/bible/readings/120113.cfm

Quick recap:
1st Reading - Isaiah - a rousing reminder to not give up; we are to journey closer to God
Psalm 122 - Let us go rejoicing to the house of the Lord
Epistle - Romans 13 - stay awake and remember our goal
Gospel - Matthew 24 - be prepared, do not ignore the message of salvation or you may be too late

Now I haven't watched Doomsday Preppers, but I imagine this is the sort of message they would support.  "Be ready!"  "Prepare!"  "Stay alert and vigilant!"  This is the message of today's readings, but I suggest that we keep them in the context of our salvation journey.

First Sunday of Advent

November 27, 2011 – First Sunday of Advent – Year B

*First Sunday of the third edition of the Roman Missal*

I can hardly believe it is here! There are several “its” to which I refer:
1 – It’s a new liturgical year. Happy New Year!
2 – It’s the first Sunday we are using all new mass settings, plus our new/changed responses.
3 – It’s the first Sunday of Advent – wow! Where has the time gone?
4 – It’s almost December, which means the month will fly by with lots of activities and preparations for Christmas.

I admit, Advent snuck up on me. Or, probably more honestly, I wasn’t alert to the fact that Advent was almost here! It’s rather odd that I missed the countdown, considering that I’ve spent the last 4 weeks preparing to use the new mass settings in our liturgy, beginning with the first Sunday of Advent. Talk about missing the forest for the trees! But that mindset is exactly what the readings address in Sunday’s liturgy – ‘Be watchful! Be alert!’. If we don’t anticipate and prepare, we are likely to miss it completely.


There is much I could say about how the songs fit and support the readings, but in the interest of brevity, I’ll keep it short. Here’s the anticipated song list:


Opening – Maranatha (Come Lord)
Psalm – Respond & Acclaim “Lord, make us turn to you; let us see your face and we shall be saved”
Presentation/Preparation – Turn to Me
Communion – Christ Be Our Light
Closing – City of God
After – Soon & Very Soon


I realize you may not all be attending the same Sunday liturgy, but I encourage you to pay attention to the music selection and look for ways that the songs echo the readings. It may be obvious or it may be subtle. Take one song, and focus on the words. What is the meaning? What word or phrase speaks to you? What is challenging about the message?

One last thought – the season of Advent is a time for us to watch and be alert, but for what? It’s more than Jesus’ birth at Christmas. We must also anticipate Christ’s coming at the end of time, and most especially, we must look for Jesus in our daily lives. If we don’t clarify our expectations, we are likely to miss our God among us now.

Resources used:
Living Liturgy by Liturgical Press – http://www.litpress.org/
Today’s Liturgy by Oregon Catholic Press – http://www.ocp.org/
Breaking Bread – Music Issue – www.ocp.org