First Sunday of Advent

12-01-2024Weekly ReflectionFr. Fred Adamson

Dear Parishioners,

We begin a new year in the Church with the season of Advent. It is a season of hope and longing. One in which we cry out Maranatha! “Come, Lord Jesus!” This has been the call of the faithful Christian community for over two centuries as well as ours each year as we journey through this time of year. The shorter days and longer nights of winter impact us and are a reminder of the longing for brighter days. This was easily connected to the longing for the light of Christ by the early Church and still can be for us.

The Advent wreath in our sanctuary and in our home help us make a four week journey to open our hearts to His light and wisdom that shines bright with the passing of each week, especially when we embrace the Advent journey. I encourage you to mark each week in some way – with a traditional Advent wreath, an Advent calendar, even four candles arranged in a special way for you to gather in prayer during this season. It is a time to refresh your practice of prayer. One that helps you and your family to make room for Christ, to invite His light in to your daily life.

Remember we offer FORMED: movies, programs, audio and e-books service free to all parishioners. This year we will be sending you a short video called Behold with Sr. Miriam James. It is a guided way of inviting the light of Christ into our lives through the gift of the Holy Family. The reflections are each just 10 minutes in length – stopping and quieting ourselves to sit and listen; to allow the reflections to poke, prod, inspire and strengthen us during this Advent season will be a gift. Advent is a time of hope – a time to Hope in His Coming in a new and grace filled way into our lives.

Another Advent happening this year will be an Evening of Music and Prayer on Friday, December 13th. This will be a night to gather as a community around the image of Our Lady of Guadalupe - to let her help us on our journey. Each of the different Choral groups will lead us in prayerful song; there will be scripture, teaching and prayer. Be sure to save the date.

So – we begin this special season filled with Hope in His Coming. What a gift our Catholic faith and tradition provides for us to enter into the great mystery of a God who desires to be with us. To enter into our lives and dwell among us. May this Advent season be a true adventure into the mystery of God’s love revealed throughout the year.

With hope and longing in Him,

Fr. Fred