News
Monday, Dec 06, 2021
MEMORIAL OF NICHOLAS, BISHOP
The wonder of it all
Very little is known about the historical Saint Nicholas, but he evolved into a legendary figure so intertwined with Christmas, it’s almost as if he were part of the Nativity story. The actual Nicholas lived 300 years after the birth of Jesus. Whether he secretly gave gifts to children or not, the spirit of his story is real. Centuries later as presents are wrapped in mystery and kept under the tree in anticipation, emotions of waiting for the Christ Child heighten as we ponder a miracle we can’t fathom. Thank you, Saint Nicholas, for a tradition that helps incarnate our joy and wonder!
TODAY'S READINGS: Isaiah 35:1-10; Luke 5:17-26. “We have seen incredible things today.”
#takefiveforfaith
Jesus asked them, “What are you thinking in your hearts?”
Luke 5:22
#dailyingodsword
Sunday, Dec 05, 2021
SECOND SUNDAY OF ADVENT
In praise of community service
Consider him an early volunteer. John the Baptist preached and baptized through the countryside, preparing the community for the way, truth, and life about to open to them. He wasn't paid for these services, which is probably why his diet was locusts and honey, and his clothing coarse. Today on International Volunteer Day, we give thanks for all who helped their neighbors with grocery runs and check-ins during the long season of sickness. We can continue this spirit of social engagement: giving blood, organizing group clean-ups, shoveling a neighbor's sidewalk. Volunteering builds empathy!
TODAY'S READINGS: Baruch 5:1-9; Philippians 1:4-6, 8-11; Luke 3:1-6. “A voice of one crying out in the desert: ‘Prepare the way of the Lord, make straight his paths.’ "
#takefiveforfaith
Sunday, December 5
Second Sunday of Advent
Joseph took Mary into his home, and maybe this carpenter started to build a cradle. However, his year of surprises continued as he now had to head off to Bethlehem with his pregnant wife for the Roman census.
I imagine Joseph saying, "Really, God! I have done as you have asked. I have accepted Mary and this child, and now we have to head out 90 miles to Bethlehem. Anything else, Lord?"
Of course we know there would be more, including an exile in Egypt after another dream. But for now the couple hit the road and took a grueling trip. Still, Joseph believed. He put his fear and pride aside and helped Mary make the journey.
—Excerpted from "Saint Joseph and the Birth of Jesus"
🎨 Fritz von Uhde: Journey to Bethlehem 1890
I am confident of this,
that the one who began a good work in you
will continue to complete it
until the day of Christ Jesus…
And this is my prayer:
that your love may increase ever more and more in knowledge and every kind of perception…Philippians 1:4-11
#dailyingodsword
Join us on Saturday December 18th following the 5pm Mass for a Christmas Carol Sing-Along on the Parish Plaza!
Gather round the fire - with Hot Cocoa and Cookies, Festive Sangria and Small Bites, and Reindeer noses of course!
All are Welcome!
I wish I lived in Coronado and belonged to this parish, so many activities for all.
Looking Forward by Looking Back
The expectation of Advent is anchored in the event of God’s incarnation. The more I come in touch with what happened in the past, the more I come in touch with what is to come. The Gospel not only reminds me of what took place but also of what will take place. In the contemplation of Christ’s first coming, I can discover the signs of his second coming. By looking back in meditation, I can look forward in expectation. By reflection, I can project; by conserving the memory of Christ’s birth, I can progress to the fulfillment of his kingdom. I am struck by the fact that the prophets speaking about the future of Israel always kept reminding their people of God’s great works in the past. They could look forward with confidence because they could look backward with awe to Yahweh’s great deeds.
-Henri J. M. Nouwen
But Mary treasured up all these things, and pondered them in her heart. LUKE 2:19
A HOME WITH OPEN DOORS
The Church is a home with open doors, because she is a mother”.
And in imitation of Mary, the Mother of Jesus, “we want to be a Church that serves, that leaves home and goes forth from its places of worship, goes forth from its sacristies, in order to accompany life, to sustain hope, to be the sign of unity… to build bridges, to break down walls, to sow seeds of reconciliation”.
-Pope Francis, FRATELLI TUTTI
#saturdayswithmary
📷Mary, Mother of compassion. Stop by our Prayer Garden for a visit.
