December 4, 2022
Today we celebrate the Second Sunday of Advent. In today’s first reading, the Advent Prophet Isaiah gives us a picture of what the Messiah will be and do. It is a hopeful message where all that is at odds will be brought back to God’s original creation. “There shall be no harm or ruin on my holy mountain; for the earth shall be filled with knowledge of the Lord.” It will be a time of justice and fullness of peace. In our Epistle Lesson St. Paul also speaks of hope and calls the community in Rome to harmony. He calls them to encouragement and endurance and to welcome one another as brothers and sisters in Christ who came as savior of all. Our Gospel this weekend introduces us to John the Baptist, cousin of Jesus. St. Matthew links him to another prophesy of Isaiah, calling John, “A voice of one crying out in the desert, Prepare the way of the Lord, make straight His paths.” John’s call is to repentance, to prepare our hearts and souls to welcome the One who will baptize us with the Holy Spirit and fire. Once again, Advent is not Lent! The call to repentance is to prepare our hearts, making them once again a manger for Christ to be reborn in us with joy. It may have been a while since some have availed themselves of the great sacrament of Penance. Advent is a good time to prepare the way of the Lord by allowing God’s mercy and love to remove any obstacles, any crooked ways, that prevent Christ coming to us on a straight path.
This week the Church invites us to celebrate the Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary. It is a Holy Day in which we recall Mary’s sinless role in bringing the world its Savior. The Immaculate Conception celebrates the unique grace bestowed on Mary at the moment she was conceived in the womb of her mother, Saint Anne. It invites us to see her as the model disciple who, when presented with the opportunity to participate in God’s plan of salvation to respond humbly as the handmaid of the Lord with a bold “Yes.” Masses for the Holy Day will be on Wednesday Dec. 7th, the Vigil Mass, at 5:00pm, and on Thursday Dec. 8th, the Holy Day, at 8:00am.
Please continue to remember the less fortunate through our annual Giving Tree located by St. Joseph’s Altar. Our St. Vincent de Paul relies on your generosity in order to help many of the families they serve with Christmas. Your generosity is deeply appreciated.
Finally today, as All Things New proceeds forward, and we have had our parish listening sessions, please take a moment and fill out the survey with any comments you may have. Surveys need to be turned in by December 31st.
God Bless! Happy Advent!
Please continue praying 3 Hail Marys.
Fr. Pete