This Sunday, November 27, begins the new liturgical year. The first four-weeks of the liturgical year, which we call Advent, is a wonderful time to ponder on the mystery of the Incarnation, when God "in-fleshed" Himself with our humanity. The Church teaches us that a mystery like the Incarnation is something not to be solved but to be pondered. Likewise, Sacred Scriptures teach us that Mary reflected on many events in her life and held them in her heart (Luke 1:29, 2:19, 2:51). During Advent, we can look at the Incarnation through the lens of Mary and ponder on them in our hearts too. Here are some things you may want to consider:
- What was it like for Mary to have no stain of any sin on her soul from the moment of conception? What was it like for her to love in a totally selfless way, with no pride or alternative motives attached?
- How did Mary feel when the Angel Gabriel came to her and told her that she would carry God Himself in her womb? Where was she at? What was she doing before the angel came to her? What did she do after this event?
- When did Mary tell her parents, Saint Joachim and Saint Anne, about her pregnancy? What did she tell them? What was their reaction?
- What was her first conversation with Joseph like after her pregnancy?
- What was the journey like on her way to visit her cousin, Elizabeth? What dangers did she encounter? What blessings did she experience along the way?
- What did Mary and Elizabeth talk about during their time together?
- What was her journey home like? Was it easier or more difficult than on her journey to Elizabeth?
- What type of things did Mary and Joseph talk about during her pregnancy?
- What were Mary's hopes and dreams for Jesus while he was still in her womb?
- What was it like for Mary to know she was carrying God Himself in her womb?
May your Advent season be filled with hope, peace, joy, and love...and may your pondering on the mystery of the Incarnation draw you ever closer to our Lord and Savior, Friend and Brother, Jesus Christ.
Father in Heaven, Creator of all and source of all goodness and love, please look kindly upon us and receive our heartfelt gratitude in this time of giving thanks.
Thank you for all the graces and blessings You have bestowed upon us spiritual and temporal: our faith and religious heritage, our food and shelter, our health, the loves we have for one another, our family and friends.
Dear Father, in Your infinite generosity, please grant us continued graces and blessing throughout the coming year.
This we ask in the name of Jesus, Your Son and our Brother. Amen.
Source: Catholic Online (Catholic.org)
Pro-Life Committee
The Pro-Life Committee meets monthly to discuss ways to further the cause of protecting life at all stages. All parishioners and friends are invited to attend these meetings. The next meeting will be on Monday, December 5, at 7 pm, in Father Solanus room (next to the nursery).
EUCHARISTIC FORMATION DAY
For more information about the Eucharistic Revival and the Eucharistic Formation Day, go to the
diocese's website.