Second Sunday of Advent

12-10-2023Weekly ReflectionFr. Fred Adamson

Dear Parishioners,

It is the second week of our Advent Journey and we continue our efforts to “Be Watchful-Be Alert-Listen”. Trusting that God is speaking to His people through His Son, His Spirit and His Church. The readings from the Prophet Isaiah during Advent are hopeful and comforting. They were written for a people in exile during the Babylonian captivity. These people deeply longed to be saved, to see God’s face and to be set free. It is a message that finds its fulfillment in Jesus, Emmanuel—God with us. The one who shows us the face of God, the one who saves us and sets us free.

We can all think of times in our own lives and in the lives of others around us when we have longed to be saved, to be set free and to see the face of God. Often we look for things or easy fixes outside of our own heart and experience of life. The answer comes in the simple light of Christ—His message of love and peace. It does mean developing the skill of being attentive, alert, humble and watchful. When we do, what changes is our attitude, our approach and our hearts. We give ourselves to the Lord and the fruits of the Spirit Prevail—Charity, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, generosity, gentleness, faithfulness, modesty, self-control and purity.

This Monday, December 11th, is the Penance Service for the Advent Season. We will have 8 priests available for confessions starting at 6:30pm in the Church. Advent has a penitential component... we desire to see the face of God, to invite the Lord deeper into our lives. We also recognize that sin complicates our ability to watch and listen with clear eyes and fresh ears. Confession and the absolution of sin frees us of the burdens that can cause anger, fear, frustrations, etc. If it has been a long time since you have been that is fine. I promise you God waits—just like the father in the story of the prodigal son. He wants to give you His mercy and forgiveness. Please join us if you can on the 11th or at other times of Confession. Give yourself and your family this time with the Lord and His healing presence.

Advent peace and blessings,

Fr. Fred