Listen attentively this week to the sounds of Christmas: hymns and carols, old and new, meditative and exuberant do fill the air! Which melodies or words touch you and keep running through your mind? Which speak to your heart especially this year? Continue Reading
During the season of Advent we focus on the coming of Christ. The four Sundays move from looking forward to the Second Coming of Christ at the end of time when the Reign of God is fully established, to the coming of Christ in our midst proclaimed by John the Baptist. This fourth Sunday we focus on the coming of Christ in human flesh. We celebrate the birth of a Savior foretold by the prophets, Jesus Christ, Prince of Peace. Continue Reading
“I live, no longer I, but Christ lives in me….’ (Gal 2:20)
This simple message from Galatians can fill a long prayer experience!! I used it for prayer a couple of days ago and it still enriches my prayer – especially as we approach the final week of Advent. It helps me see that Christmas is more than just renewal (as important as that is). Christmas is also about re-centering. Continue Reading
This beautiful and honest poem was written by John Shea. Savor it!
Sharon’s Christmas Prayer
She was five,
Sure of the facts,
And recited them
With slow solemnity Continue Reading
First, “rejoice” is the message in this 3rd week of Advent. We’re invited to rejoice and spread joy as we prepare to celebrate. And scripture assures us that God is in our midst rejoicing with us: “God will rejoice over you with gladness, and renew you in His love.” Zephaniah 3:l7
“Send forth your love and your truth; let them guide me; let them bring me to the place where you dwell.” This verse from Psalm 43 is a good short prayer in Advent. It reflects the heart of the Season as we draw closer and closer to the birth of Jesus.
As we move through Advent and toward the 3rd Sunday, or Gaudate Sunday, we want to rejoice. But sometimes our doubts get in the way of our belief system! William Barry, SJ, offers the following thoughts from his book, A Friendship Like No Other. Continue Reading
Emmanuel, “God is with us,” —even when we are not paying attention! Advent darkness and candlelight invite us to pay (more) attention, to savor this mystery of our Christian faith. It’s a time of expectation, hope, deep peace, joy in the midst of our often busy and distracted days. Continue Reading
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