Tuesday, Nov 30, 2021
FEAST OF ANDREW, APOSTLE
Can you follow directions?
Sometimes what we appreciate about saints comes from other saints. Such is the case with Saint Andrew and his brother, Simon Peter, of whom Saint Gregory the Great said: “At a single command” from Jesus, they “leaving their nets followed the Redeemer. Up to that time, they had not seen him perform any miracles. They had heard nothing from him concerning a reward of eternal joy.” All Jesus had to do was ask them to follow. This Advent, listen for what Jesus may be asking of you; pray for the trust that Andrew had, to simply follow.
TODAY'S READINGS: Romans 10:9-18; Matthew 4:18-22.
“Come after me, and I will make you fishers of men.” #takefiveforfaith
There is no distinction between Jew and Greek;
the same Lord is Lord of all,
enriching all who call upon him.
For everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.
Romans 10:12
#dailyingodsword
In the beginning was Love, God's love. Everything alive, everything beautiful, good and true comes from Him, from God who is love. Just as human life comes from the heart and the womb of a mother, and just as Jesus came from the heart and the womb of a Mother, Love became flesh.
-Pope Francis
Monday, Nov 29, 2021
ADVENT WEEKDAY
Have yourself an evergreen Advent
The origins of the Advent wreath are unclear. Like many holiday traditions, they may be pre-Christian, and like many of today’s Christmas traditions, Advent wreaths were popularized by Germans, who brought them to the United States. No matter where they came from or how they differ, Advent wreaths are rich in symbolism. The candles are lit as a sign of hope to dispel the darkness. The evergreen, wrapped in a circle, signifies continuous life. The prickly leaves of holly are like the crown of thorns. Pinecones symbolize resurrection. If you don’t already have one, consider making one as a craft project this Advent, and add elements that have symbolic meaning for you.
TODAY'S READINGS: Isaiah 2:1-5; Matthew 8:5-11. “Lord, I am not worthy to have you enter under my roof; only say the word and my servant will be healed.”
“Peace be within you!"
Because of the house of the LORD, our God,
I will pray for your good.
Psalm 122:9
#dailyingodsword
Sunday, November 28
First Sunday of Advent
A few verses in Matthew and Luke tell us all we know about St. Joseph. They provide just enough information to demonstrate why he was the divine choice to become the husband of Mary and the foster father of Jesus. Joseph was a distant descendant of King David, he gave Christ the King his royal lineage. Joseph also came from the right hometown. He was from Bethlehem, the city that Scripture predicted would produce the messiah (Micah 5:1). And as a carpenter (Matthew 13:55), Joseph was poor—Christ’s condition of preference.
Scripture portrays Joseph as open to God, obedient, upright, and, above all, kind. The saint displayed all of these qualities in his handling of Mary’s surprise pregnancy. Imagine the confusion of emotions that must have flooded him when Mary confided that she was going to have a baby by the Holy Spirit! As a devout observer of the law, Joseph knew that he might have to repudiate his betrothal. But his kindness and confidence in Mary prevented his taking such a harsh step, which would have shamed her. It may have even put her in danger (Deuteronomy 22:20–21). Joseph must have agonized over his decision, praying intently about it. Finally he decided to divorce Mary quietly. But Joseph was open to God, and in a dream a divine messenger told him to take Mary home as his wife. Joseph did exactly that.
Joseph’s wise dealing with Mary is a model for us when we face complex moral and personal issues. He subordinated his feelings to do what God required. He was open to whatever God wanted, and when he sensed the divine will, he obeyed.
-Voices of the Saints
🎨Jane Ray
Sunday, Nov 28, 2021
FIRST SUNDAY OF ADVENT
Light up the night
In an unusual conjoining of celebrations, we begin the season of Advent today as our Jewish friends begin the eight-day festival of lights known as Chanukah tonight. It's intriguing to reflect on how Advent too is an extended celebration of moving from the darkness of history into the light of Christ's coming. Light remains a symbol of spiritual illumination, abandoning the gloom of ignorance for knowledge and the shadow of foolishness for wisdom. As we string holiday lights and decorate with sparkling ornaments, let's consciously choose against error's dark deceptions and ally ourselves with the light of truth.
TODAY'S READINGS: Jeremiah 33:14-16; 1 Thessalonians 3:12—4:2; Luke 21:25-28, 34-36. "Be vigilant at all times . . . to stand before the Son of Man."
Brothers and sisters:
May the Lord make you increase and abound in love
for one another and for all,
just as we have for you,
so as to strengthen your hearts.
1 Thessalonians 3:12
#dailyingodsword
Mary of Nazareth, You believed God's Word within Your heart. Help me believe and be faithful to my 'yes' each day. May my life be completely the way Jesus wants it to be. Love lead the way.
#saturdayswithmary #firstsundayofadvent
Reflect the Peace of Christ
Maybe you should make a prayer room in your house . . . a place where you can go and often return and let God speak to you. . . .
Never forget the words “In this world you will have troubles but be brave: I have overcome the world.” Every time you spend silent time in your prayer room you celebrate Christ’s victory over the world (over death, over the evil one) and allow yourself to taste already now the peace that comes from this victory.
It is so important for the people around you to see that peace of Christ reflected in your eyes, your hands, and your words. There is more power in that than in all your teaching and organizing. That is the truth we need to keep telling each other. - Henri Nouwen
