Sunday, December 3, 20230472In a special way during Advent, we unite ourselves in prayer with the sentiments of the Blessed Mother who in silent waiting carried the hidden Savior within her womb for nine months. Mary in turn intercedes for us, as faith, hope, and joy are born again in our hearts as we wait expectantly for the birth of her Son.
Tuesday, November 29, 20220136Being so distracted that one does not notice God's presence in daily life is a warning sign that one is not being vigilant enough, Pope Francis cautioned. Vigilance during Advent is key, Pope Francis said, because Jesus "warns us: there is the danger of not realizing his coming and being unprepared for his visit."
Sunday, December 20, 20200283From the first Sunday in Advent, we have heard the warning over and over again to prepare the Way of the Lord. In the Gospel reading of that day, we were told to awaken from our slumber and to prepare the way for our Creator to come to save us and all the Earth.
Saturday, December 19, 20200371One of the things I love about Advent is the daily reading from the Book of the Prophet Isaiah. These are readings of God’s promise, they cast a vision of peace and beauty, and they give us what we need most right now…HOPE.
Wednesday, December 16, 20200343In Advent we meditate on the coming of Christ. Traditionally, we contemplate not only his coming at Christmas, but also his second coming at the end of time – his coming “in glory to judge the living and the dead” (as we say in the Nicene Creed).
Sunday, November 29, 20200134Concelebrating Mass with newly created cardinals, Pope Francis said Advent is a time to be vigilant, hopeful and helpful. People of faith who believe in the heaven that awaits them should not be caught up with earthly concerns, he said during a Mass in St. Peter's Basilica Nov. 29, the first Sunday of Advent, which marks the start of a...
Saturday, November 28, 20200666Christians look to the light of Christ, the true light that knows no darkness or extinguishing (see John 1:4-5), to irradiate the gloom of their own suffering. Our efforts to purify the weak and fluttering flame of our heart from the ravenous cravings of selfishness, lust, and greed dim the light we radiate to others, and can bring us to...
Sunday, November 27, 20160164Advent is a season of expectation. The prayers and readings of the liturgy teach us to look forward to the coming of Christ, the bringer of every blessing. This involves conversion, or an effort to unite our affections into an undivided love for “God-with-us” (Emmanuel), Jesus of Nazareth, who brings with himself wisdom, justice and...
Wednesday, December 17, 20140219It is Advent season, and we have been warned to stay awake and to keep our eyes alert for a special coming of someone who will show us the path that leads to eternal life.
Monday, December 8, 20140146In the heart of Rome's high-end shopping district, sparkling with Christmas lights and shiny baubles in the windows of famous designers, Pope Francis prayed that people would spend time in silence and in service as they prepare to celebrate Jesus' birth. Celebrating the feast of the Immaculate Conception Dec. 8, Pope Francis prayed for...
