Is it possible? The prophet Isaiah was a dreamer. He lived in turbulent times when Israel faced death and destruction at the hands of the Assyrian army. Despite the darkness, Isaiah spoke of a time of peace; a time when “the wolf would be a guest of the lamb” and the calf and young lion would browse together with a child to lead them.” (Isaiah 11:6) A new ruler would come with justice and peace and God would once again reign supreme. I often find myself wondering if he was predicting the future or simply hoping against hope. Is it possible for such peace to exist in our world?
Our own day has many similarities to that time in Israel. Violence is on the increase. People are divided and neither side will trust the other. We focus on who is to blame rather than how can we fix it. There is a need for peace in our world. Is it possible? Is it possible to see an end to the violence? Is it possible to heal the hatred that polarizes our world? Is it possible to end the poverty and injustice that only feeds this divide? Is it possible that a new ruler will come?
Isaiah believed so. Others also believed. One was a woman named Mary. She had great faith and when the angel asked her, she said yes. A new ruler was born who came to establish this kingdom and when he left, he promised to return and bring it to completion. Is it possible? Others have tried and failed.
It is during turbulent times that our own world is confronted with this prophecy of Isaiah. What do we believe? What do we hope for? Like Mary, do we have the faith to say yes?
Maranatha! Come, Lord Jesus!
Father Jeff
Christmas Masses. Masses for Christmas will be held at 4:30 pm, 8:00 pm, and 11:00 pm on Christmas Eve. Christmas Day Masses will be at 8:30 and 10:30 am. Please note that midnight Mass is moved up to 11:00 pm. (What time is midnight Mass?) In the past few years, the attendance at this Mass has declined. Our hope is that by the change it may again be well attended. 4:30 pm Mass on Christmas eve has always been our largest. We do plan to livestream this Mass to the cafeteria for the overflow. You may wish to choose another Mass and avoid the crowd. Both 8 and 11 pm would be good alternatives.
Also, please note that there will be no Saturday evening Mass on Christmas day. Masses for Sunday, December 26, will be at 7:00, 8:30, and 10:30 am. Please plan accordingly.
Immaculate Conception
Mass times:
Tuesday, December 7 at 5:30 PM
Wednesday, December 8 at 8:00 AM
Wednesday, December 8 at 5:30 PM
Looking for some practical Advent suggestions? Download our Advent calendar!
It's not too late to order gift cards for Christmas... turn in your form to the parish office before Monday, December 13 in order to get cards before Christmas. You can even put your completed form (with payment) in the collection basket. For questions, contact scrip@bssbruins.org.