Mass Readings and Reflection
The 8:30 and 1:00 mass on Sunday will be live-streamed to our Facebook page and then uploaded to our YouTube Channel.
Reflection from Scott Hahn at the St. Paul Center
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The new Church year begins with a plea for God’s visitation. “Oh that you would rend the heavens and come down,” the prophet Isaiah cries in today’s First Reading.
In today’s Psalm, too, we hear the anguished voice of Israel, imploring God to look down from His heavenly throne—to save and shepherd His people.
Today’s readings are relatively brief. Their language and “message” are deceptively simple. But we should take note of the serious mood and penitential aspect of the Liturgy today—as the people of Israel recognize their sinfulness, their failures to keep God’s covenant, their inability to save themselves.
And in this Advent season, we should see our own lives in the experience of Israel. As we examine our consciences, can’t we, too, find that we often harden our hearts, refuse His rule, wander from His ways, withhold our love from Him?
God is faithful, Paul reminds us in today’s Epistle. He is our Father. He has hearkened to the cry of His children, coming down from heaven for Israel’s sake and for ours to redeem us from our exile from God, to restore us to His love.
In Jesus, we have seen the Father . The Father has let His face shine upon us. He is the good shepherd come to guide us to the heavenly kingdom. No matter how far we have strayed, He will give us new life if we turn to Him, if we call upon His holy name, if we pledge anew never again to withdraw from Him.
As Paul says today, He has given us every spiritual gift—especially the Eucharist and penance—to strengthen us as we await Christ’s final coming. He will keep us firm to the end—if we let Him.
So, in this season of repentance, we should heed the warning—repeated three times by our Lord in today’s Gospel—to be watchful, for we know not the hour when the Lord of the house will return.
What Is the Advent Season?
The Advent Season is a special time of year that sometimes gets lost in the bright lights of the Christmas season it precedes. The first day of Advent is the first day of a new Liturgical (or church) calendar and begins a four week period of preparation in anticipation of the nativity of Jesus at Christmas.
The Advent Season is all about reflecting on how we can prepare our hearts and homes for Christ’s birth in the world as it is today. It is a time for faith communities and families to remember, through prayer, reflections, special music, and good deeds what the true meaning of Jesus’ birth is.
Angel Tree
The tree is up! Help us bless the needy in our area by choosing an angel from the tree and purchasing the items listed. Return your wrapped gift(s) with the angel attached, to the church vestibule or office Monday through Thursday, 10 to 4pm. All gifts should be returned by Sunday, December 13.
As always, our Angel Tree Elves will do the shopping for you (they love to shop!). Monetary donations and gift cards are always welcome. Thank you for your generosity!
Final Reminder about Surviving the Holidays Grief Seminar
We are hosting a variation on the Grief Share presentation “Surviving the Holidays” for those who are grieving and for any who are homebound and alone because of the virus. The Surviving the Holidays seminar helps participants discover:
- How to deal with emotions
- What to do about traditions
- Helpful tips for surviving social events
- How to find hope for the future.
Please join us for this encouraging seminar on Thursday, December 3 at 10:00 in Marian Hall or join us online if you are not ready to attend in person. Contact Colleen Orchanian or Ralph Kwiatkowski for more information or to RSVP.
Let us know if you plan to come!
Yes - I will be there in person
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Yes - I will join online. Please send me the link
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No - I can't make it but let me know about future meetings on grief
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