By Sister Phyllis McMurray, Prioress
In the liturgy for the First Sunday of Advent, we are called to “Be watchful! Be alert!” Reflections on Advent remind us: Stay awake! Be aware! Pay attention! As we enter Advent, we are called to be mindful of God entering our lives as Emmanuel, the One sent to be our “light forever” (Isaiah 60:19). Continue Reading
As Advent nears completion and Christmas is upon us let’s take a moment to reflect on what it all means. For me, Advent is the most special time of year. Filled with hope, anticipation, the first snows, Vespers in the early darkness and wonderful readings from Isaiah all capture the time before the arrival of Jesus, ever anew in our hearts. Continue Reading
By Sr. Ruth Ksycki, OSB
Rejoicing is the theme of the third Sunday of Advent. The reading from Isaiah 35:1-6a,10 gives us the desert blooming with profusion. Why? Because we will see the glory and splendor of God. Because God will come to save us. What a message of hope and joy!
lst Reading: Is 35: 1-6, 10; 2nd Reading: Jas 5:7-10; Gospel Mt 11:2-11.
On the 3rd Sunday in Advent – Gaudeamus Sunday – we celebrate as if like small children who cannot wait for Christmas. We light the pink candle of the Advent wreath, we swap penitent purple vestments for rose. Isaiah tells us to “Rejoice, our God comes to save us.” Continue Reading
By Sr. Ruth Ksycki, OSB
As I heard some Hanukkah music played on public radio, I decided to look up information about the feast. The word hanuk originally meant inauguration or dedication of the first use of any object. In Deuteronomy 20:5 it refers to a housewarming after the building of a new private home.
By Sr. Ruth Ksycki
Have you ever been to a conference or sat in class after lunch and struggled to stay awake? Or, maybe it was mid-afternoon when drowsiness descended. No matter how hard you tried, your eyes closed, and you nodded off. Continue Reading
Preparing for the arrival of a new infant changes people’s lives. Usually, there is an air of Quiet, Gentleness, Joyfulness, Expectation, Excitement, Hope, Prayerfulness, Helpfulness. The Church’s liturgical season of Advent encourages this by setting aside the 4 weeks before Christmas to help us prepare our hearts for the coming of God. Continue Reading
I find the Advent Liturgical Season the richest and most fundamental for my life. As we listen to Prepare the Way of the Lord and Come Oh Come Immanuel, we join with humanity in waiting for Christ to come.
Advent serves as a great tool for discernment. It is the perfect time to take stock of the past year and to prepare – to set goals – for the coming year. Continue Reading
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