First Sunday of Advent

12-03-2023Weekly ReflectionFr. Fred Adamson

Dear Parishioners,

O Come, O Come Emmanuel. This common chant/song helps us to understand a key part of the Advent season, as we recognize that Emmanuel means, “God is with us.” It is an Advent song that we sing with longing for God to be with us, for a deepening of our faith, hope and love. We as a people know and celebrate that Jesus was born in Bethlehem, grew up in Nazareth and suffered, died and rose in Jerusalem and ascended to heaven; but we still wait for Him to perfect all things when He comes again.

This Advent we are going to focus on the theme of, Be Watchful—Be Alert—Listen. As a community of believers it is a special time for us to be watchful and alert to the ways God reveals His love, His strength and His comfort to us in unique ways. Through the scriptures, our prayers and charity during this time, we grow in an attentiveness and awareness of His living presence among us—God with us!

An important part of watching and being alert is to heighten our skills at listening. In a world full of noise, both sound and visual—the habit of discernment and deciphering God’s voice can be hard. To help develop listening skills during Advent we have developed a section on the weekend Sunday worship aid for you to take notes, to write down how you may have heard the Lord speak at Mass through the readings, a song, a prayer or an encounter. A word, phrase or interaction that speaks to you. Trust that the Lord is speaking in through that inspiration. Write it down and then reflect on it during the week. Watch, be alert and listen. It is often in the most simple word, phrase or daily interaction that God reveals His presence if we are attentive.

This Friday, December 8th is the Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception. It is a Holy Day of Obligation and Mass will be at 9:00 am and 6:00 pm. Advent is a special time for us to honor Mary and we do so on this special day as well as on the Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe. Both days help us to better know the deep love the Blessed Mother has for us and provide us with an opportunity to honor her.

On Sunday, December 10th, there will be the Our Lady of Guadalupe Celebration for all parishioners. Tickets can be purchased after Mass this weekend. Our Lady appeared in Mexico in the middle of the Americas and her message of love and trust in her Son is significant for us today. It is an amazing encounter and the only image we have of Our Lady is one that God himself “painted” by arranging the flowers on the tilma of Saint Juan Diego. The message is one of motherly care and love. A message deeply needed in our times as well.

Let us embrace the gift of our Catholic faith. Its traditions and celebrations in this season of Advent are meant to help us draw into a deeper relationship with Jesus, His mother and all the saints.

Advent Blessings,

Fr. Fred