Tag: Advent

Greetings on this the Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe
Readings: ZEC 2:14-17; JUDITH 13:18BCDE, 19; LK 1:26-38

Notes

Judith Beheads Holofernes – Then she took the head out of the bag, showed it to them, and said: “Here is the head of Holofernes, the ranking general of the Assyrian forces, and here is the canopy under which he lay in his drunkenness. The Lord struck him down by the hand of a female! (Judith 13:15). Then Uzziah said to her, “Blessed are you, daughter, by the Most High God, above all the women on earth; and blessed be the Lord God, the creator of heaven and earth, who guided your blow at the head of the leader of our enemies (Judith 13:18).
Expulsion from Eden. – I will put enmity between you and the woman, and between your offspring and hers; They will strike at your head, while you strike at their heel (Gen 3:16).
The Presentation in the Temple – Simeon blessed them and said to Mary his mother, “Behold, this child is destined for the fall and rise of many in Israel, and to be a sign that will be contradicted (and you yourself a sword will pierce)* so that the thoughts of many hearts may be revealed.” (LK 2:34-35).

Summary

Reflection

Don’t mess with Mom!

As Pope Francis has said we need to demasculinize the church. Women give so much to the church and have been the rock in so many ways. The Pope wants them to have a place at the table on so much more! Source: https://www.americamagazine.org/faith/2023/12/07/pope-francis-demasculizing-church-women-246661

Mary said yes and changed the world. So can you. Not instead of men, with men.

Personal Reflection

I do not support the idea of over protective or overly aggressive women so don’t misunderstand me. Women can be as outrageously inappropriate as men. However, we have by the same judgment omitted the genius of women from the theological, liturgical and managerial tables. Enough of that!

First Reading

Sing and rejoice, O daughter Zion! See, I am coming to dwell among you, says the LORD. Many nations shall join themselves to the LORD on that day, and they shall be his people, and he will dwell among you, and you shall know that the LORD of hosts has sent me to you.

Responsorial

You are the highest honor of our race.

Gospel Acclamation

Blessed are you, holy Virgin Mary, deserving of all praise; from you rose the sun of justice, Christ our God.

Gospel

The angel Gabriel was sent from God to a town of Galilee called Nazareth, to a virgin betrothed to a man named Joseph, of the house of David, and the virgin’s name was Mary. And coming to her, he said, “Hail, full of grace! The Lord is with you.”

Peace be with you,
Deacon Gerry

Greetings on this the Monday of the Second Week of Advent
Readings: Is 35:1-10; Ps 85:9ab and 10, 11-12, 13-14; Lk 5:17-26

Notes

In Advent this message is especially important: journey. For our OCIA candidates I had them read the the first two chapters of the gospels of Matthew and Luke. As they go note the people who meet Jesus and their journey to Jesus. Write down every noun and name. I let them skip the Genealogy of Jesus in the gospel of Matthew as that is way too much for the first effort in study. Where did they come from? How far and long was their travels? And, finally, which of them do you most closely identify with?

We have a journey to make along the holy way. We, the redeemed shall walk it and rejoice. The LORD bids us to return. Enter his courts singing. We will meet with joy and gladness, sorrow and mourning will flee.

Summary

Today’s scripture readings focuses on the joy of knowing the LORD. Even creation, which modern man basically sees as something to be merely consumed, rejoices in the presence of the LORD. The desert and the parched land will exult; the steppe will rejoice and bloom. They will bloom with abundant flowers, and rejoice with joyful song. Even the plants know the LORD himself gives benefits and yield. So much more so man.

In the case of man, and his autonomy being respected, man must journey along the holy way. In the gospel portion today, the men who carried him and the man being carried each received divine forgivenenss.

When he saw their faith, he said, “As for you, your sins are forgiven.”

Because the others did not comprehend the invisible and the breadth of the forgiveness, he repeated it again in the narrower sense so they may understand: Which is easier, to say, ‘Your sins are forgiven,’ or to say, ‘Rise and walk’? But that you may know that the Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins”—he said to the man who was paralyzed, “I say to you, rise, pick up your stretcher, and go home.”

This is what is meant by working out my salvation. So then, my beloved, obedient as you have always been, not only when I am present but all the more now when I am absent, work out your salvation with fear and trembling. For God is the one who, for his good purpose, works in you both to desire and to work (Phil 2:12-13).

Reflection

In our gospel portion today we are given the story of The Healing of a Paralytic. His friends knowing of the works of Jesus, the paralytic’s friends carried him on a stretcher to present him to Jesus. Because of the crowds the climbed up to the roof with the stretcher with the man upon it, opened the roof vents and using ropes lowered the friend into the interior where Jesus is and placed him before the LORD. Now that’s a journey!

When he saw their faith, he said, “As for you, your sins are forgiven.” He said to the man who was paralyzed, “I say to you, rise, pick up your stretcher, and go home. He stood up immediately before them, picked up what he had been lying on, and went home, glorifying God.

Personal Reflection

Every time I encounter Jesus I am changed. He inspires me to come to Church. But not just to Church but to the INTERIOR of the Church (under the roof) which within is found the Christ. May you too find the INTERIOR of the LORD. There is forgiveness, healing and joy.

First Reading

A highway will be there, called the holy way. It is for those with a journey to make, and on it the redeemed will walk. Those whom the LORD has ransomed will return and enter Zion singing, crowned with everlasting joy; They will meet with joy and gladness, sorrow and mourning will flee.

Responsorial

Our God will come to save us!

The LORD himself will give his benefits;
our land shall yield its increase.
Justice shall walk before him,
and salvation, along the way of his steps.

Gospel Acclamation

Behold the king will come, the Lord of the earth, and he himself will lift the yoke of our captivity.

Gospel

One day as Jesus was teaching, And some men brought on a stretcher a man who was paralyzed; they were trying to bring him in and set him in his presence. But not finding a way to bring him in because of the crowd, they went up on the roof and lowered him on the stretcher through the tiles into the middle in front of Jesus. When Jesus saw their faith, he said, “As for you, your sins are forgiven.” He said to the one who was paralyzed, “I say to you, rise, pick up your stretcher, and go home.” He stood up immediately before them, picked up what he had been lying on, and went home, glorifying God.

Peace be with you,
Deacon Gerry

Greetings on this the Second Sunday of Advent
Readings: IS 40:1-5, 9-11; PS 85:9-10-11-12, 13-14; 2 PT 3:8-14; MK 1:1-8

Notes

As I noted on the Immaculate Conception and again on the Memorial of Saint Juan Diego Cuauhtlatoatzin, we all have a unique and special role in fulfilling the commandment and being the salve of Isaiah: Comfort, give comfort to my people, says your God. On this the second Sunday of Advent we learn the twin salvation graces being provided in the incarnation of Jesus as told by the writer of the Gospel of Mark. This is truly The beginning of the gospel of Jesus Christ the Son of God.

• The Herald: John the Baptist proclaimed a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins.
• The Mightier One: He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit.

Summary

The salve and the commandment is the opening sentence of the first reading from the prophet Isaiah: Comfort, give comfort to my people, says your God. We are given to receive comfort from the LORD and to provide comfort from the LORD.

John the Baptist is A voice of one crying out in the desert: “Prepare the way of the Lord, make straight his paths.”

John the Baptist appeared in the desert proclaiming a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins. People of the whole Judean countryside and all the inhabitants of Jerusalem were going out to him and were being baptized by him in the Jordan River as they acknowledged their sins.

Yet John knew his limits. He is not ‘the one’ but the herald of ‘the one’.

“One mightier than I is coming after me.
I am not worthy to stoop and loosen the thongs of his sandals.
I have baptized you with water;
he will baptize you with the Holy Spirit.”

It is important to discover our mission and limits. It is important to receive the salve of divine comfort and to receive the divine comfort.

Reflection

The LORD is patient, “the Lord is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance” (2 Peter 3:9). One must be careful to not to assume this means not getting started is OK. No one knows the hour or day of the second Coming. But more importantly in a sense is the suffering that goes on all around us that needs divine comfort. In the here and now people need to be comforted. Sometimes in way that are unexpected.

Personal Reflection

I speak of my ministry because it is so much a part of my life. I minister to all people with a vast difference in needs and life perspectives, including religions or none thereof. But my Catholic faith does not limit the mission. I look beyond my world view into the others view and render comfort within their context not mine. Sometimes it is uncomfortable. Yes, I have bought alcohol for a person who shouldn’t drink with the appropriate caveats and cautions.

Comfort people in their virtue and their vice because it is the person you are comforting not the problem nor their gifts.

The person.

Comfort them.

First Reading

Comfort, give comfort to my people, says your God. Speak tenderly to Jerusalem, and proclaim to her that her service is at an end.

Jesus will bring the cure. I bring them to Jesus. I am not worthy to stoop and loosen the thongs of his sandals.

Responsorial

Lord, let us see your kindness, and grant us your salvation.

Second Reading

The Lord does not delay his promise, as some regard “delay,” but he is patient with you, not wishing that any should perish but that all should come to repentance.

Gospel Acclamation

Prepare the way of the Lord, make straight his paths: All flesh shall see the salvation of God.

Gospel

The beginning of the gospel of Jesus Christ the Son of God.

John the Baptist appeared in the desert proclaiming a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins. People of the whole Judean countryside and all the inhabitants of Jerusalem were going out to him and were being baptized by him in the Jordan River as they acknowledged their sins.

And this is what he proclaimed: “One mightier than I is coming after me. I have baptized you with water; he will baptize you with the Holy Spirit.”

Peace be with you,
Deacon Gerry

Greetings on this the Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary
Readings: Gn 3:9-15, 20; PS 98:1, 2-3ab, 3cd-4; Eph 1:3-6, 11-12; Lk 1:26-38

Notes:

In 1854, Pius IX solemnly proclaimed: “The most Blessed Virgin Mary, in the first instant of her conception, by a singular grace and privilege granted by almighty God, in view of the merits of Jesus Christ, the savior of the human race, was preserved free from all stain of original sin.” Rightly understood, the incomparable holiness of Mary shows forth the incomparable goodness of God.

Reference: https://www.franciscanmedia.org/saint-of-the-day/immaculate-conception-of-the-blessed-virgin-mary/

Reference: https://deacongerrypalermo.blog/wp-content/uploads/2016/12/a-short-teaching-on-immaculate-conception.pdf

Summary

Each of us has a unique and personal and specific role in the building up of the Kingdom of God. We can say each of us has a singular grace, singular purpose. Saint Paul, besides other observations, describes his suffering in a particular way: Now I rejoice in my sufferings for your sake, and in my flesh I am filling up what is lacking in the afflictions of Christ on behalf of his body, which is the church, of which I am a minister in accordance with God’s stewardship given to me to bring to completion for you the word of God, the mystery hidden from ages and from generations past. But now it has been manifested to his holy ones ( Col 1:24-26).

In regards to the Blessed Mother, she had a singular grace that stands at the front of the singular graces. She was preserved without the stain of original sin of our common mother Eve, the Mother of all the living, imperfect. Mary, for her part, is the Mother of the Incarnate Lord. She is the the mother of all living things, perfectly.

Eve fell.
Mary excelled.

By divine will Mary is the height of our race. By divine will, in baptism, we too take on our unique, personal and specific role in building up the Kingdom of God.

Reflection

In the United States we think of ourselves as living in a meritocracy. I wish that were so, but that is the side point. We also relish our uniqueness and ability to excel. Some are born to excel by virtue of their physical properties and others by the merit of their efforts or some combination thereof. So none of the theology of Mary should be difficult for us to accept.

Mary shows us a most particular reality. In the divine grace, we can live a life without sin. In our case, future sin or separation from God. Mary brings to full view that without sin we can say Yes to the LORD. In our case without slavery to sin. Mary is our symbol of freedom.

Personal Reflection

My devotion to the Blessed Mother goes through phases of intensity and laxity. She is my role model. She is my friend. I most enjoy the Joyful Mysteries of the Holy Rosary as her personal story of her life with Jesus when the rest of us had no idea about him. She is the revelation of the revelation of Jesus. Blessed Mother, help me to be the man who honors his unique and personal and specific role in the building up of the Kingdom of God.

Call to Action

What is your unique and personal and specific role in the building up of the Kingdom of God? You have one undiscovered perhaps but it is there. The reflections of the rosary are an excellent way to encounter many ways to see your role. Read the scripture reference for each decade. Start with the Joyful mysteries. I did.

First Reading

The man called his wife Eve, because she became the mother of all the living.

Responsorial

Sing to the Lord a new song, for he has done marvelous deeds.

Second Reading

In love he destined us for adoption to himself through Jesus Christ, in accord with the favor of his will, for the praise of the glory of his grace that he granted us in the beloved.

In him we were also chosen, destined in accord with the purpose of the One who accomplishes all things according to the intention of his will,

Gospel Acclamation

Hail, Mary, full of grace, the Lord is with you; blessed are you among women.

Gospel

And coming to her, he said, “Hail, full of grace! The Lord is with you.”

Peace be with you,
Deacon Gerry

Greetings on this the Memorial of Saint Ambrose, Bishop and Doctor of the Church
Readings: Is 26:1-6; Ps 118:1 and 8-9, 19-21, 25-27a; Mt 7:21, 24-27
Notes: Tomorrow is the Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary – A Holy Day of Obligation

Summary

In our first reading today the sacred Scripture describes the inevitable fate of two different cities: a City of Chaos and a City of Mercy.

The City of Chaos (Isa 24:10) will fall and fall mightily as if it had no strength at all even as it appearance is strong and mighty.

Of particular interest is an unnamed city (24:10–13; 25:2; 26:5–6; 27:10–11), a wicked city, doomed to destruction; to the extent that it is identifiable, it may be Babylon, but more generally it symbolizes all forces hostile to God. And it stands in contrast to another city, also unnamed but no doubt to be identified with Jerusalem (NABRE Commentary https://bible.usccb.org/bible/isaiah/24?1=#29024001 )

The City of Mercy (Isa 26:1a, 2a) will remain, strong and thriving even in the worst of times even as it appears weak and defeated.

Open the gates of righteousness; I will enter and thank the LORD. This is the LORD’s own gate, through it the righteous enter. I thank you for you answered me; you have been my savior (PS 118:19-21). No longer shall violence be heard of in your land, or plunder and ruin within your borders. You shall call your walls “Salvation” and your gates “Praise.” (Isa 60:18).

Our gospel reading today, and especially in the light of the Season of Advent, brings about in us a desire to build a better city. A City of Mercy which can only be built with the stones of the Almighty. Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good, for his mercy endures forever. It is better to take refuge in the LORD than to trust in man. It is better to take refuge in the LORD than to trust in princes (PS 118:1, 8-9).

Reflection

A city of mercy can only be made using the divine nature which is merciful. The building material, the stone, is the metaphor used today. Jesus is the rock of our salvation. He is the stone upon which we build the Church. He is the cornerstone which the building rests. His is mercy, righteousness and forgiveness. This is the matter of the stone. That is to say the stone itself is not granite but made of love, forgiveness, and mercy. When we consider the idea of City we should at the first level think in terms of our society. A city is a society (the ‘Us City‘). On the second level and particular to our individual Advent journey, the city is the structure of our individual lives (the ‘Me City‘). What type of ‘Me City’ have I built? During Advent how can I reconstruct the world around me?

Personal Reflection

During this Advent season I have reconstructed my prayer life. I have obligation to pray the LOTH and continue to do so with the focus as described above. But also, in a new way, a refactoring and reconstruction of prayers for others by way of new insights and old traditions, i.e., the Rosary. It’s a better foundation. Less chaos, more mercy. For me, for everyone. Prayer gives us the proper foundation for our thoughts and actions.

First Reading

City of Mercy
“A strong city have we; he sets up walls and ramparts to protect us. Open up the gates to let in a nation that is just, one that keeps faith. A nation of firm purpose you keep in peace; in peace, for its trust in you.”

City of Chaos
He humbles those in high places, and the lofty city he brings down; He tumbles it to the ground, levels it with the dust. It is trampled underfoot by the needy, by the footsteps of the poor.

Responsorial

Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord.

Gospel Acclamation

Seek the LORD while he may be found; call him while he is near.

Gospel

Jesus said to his disciples: “Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the Kingdom of heaven, but only the one who does the will of my Father in heaven.

“Everyone who listens to these words of mine and acts on them will be like a wise man who built his house on rock. The rain fell, the floods came, and the winds blew and buffeted the house. But it did not collapse; it had been set solidly on rock.

Peace be with you,
Deacon Gerry

Greetings on this the Wednesday of the First Week of Advent
Readings: Is 25:6-10a; Ps 23:1-3a, 3b-4, 5, 6; Mt 15:29-37
Notes: There are two previous reflections on this gospel reading today.

Reference:
http://deacongerrypalermo.blog/2021/12/01/my-heart-is-moved/
http://deacongerrypalermo.blog/2019/12/05/pity-and-fear/

Summary

In these readings today we experience the impact of the ministry of Jesus among the people. If we let ourselves enter the moment by way of imagination we can see with the eye of our heart the compassion and the movement of people toward the LORD. There is a lot of movement in these stories. But they all end the same way.

Sit down.
Don’t run to and fro.
Sit down before the LORD with all your cares are worries.

Sit down with all those you love presented before him.

The story of two miracles are spanned in today’s gospel portion.

The Healing of Many People.
The Feeding of the Four Thousand.

Sit down at his feet. Sit down at table.
So he may cure, heal, feed and dine with you and you with him.

Reflection

In our modern age we run from doctor to doctor, accountant to accountant, store to store and every other center of excellence to get what we want. Yet what we maot want and need is found in one simple act. Sit down before the LORD. He will heal and feed us for he is a loving God.

Personal Reflection

At my age confusion comes easy. With enough tasks and distractions and demands for my attention I get overwhelmed. Even in Advent! I have to remind myself to slow down and sit still. Be still before the LORD; wait for him (PS 37:7a). Yes, that’s it.

First Reading
On this mountain the LORD of hosts will provide for all peoples A feast of rich food and choice wines, juicy, rich food and pure, choice wines. On this mountain he will destroy the veil that veils all peoples, The web that is woven over all nations; he will destroy death forever. The Lord GOD will wipe away the tears from all faces; The reproach of his people he will remove from the whole earth; for the LORD has spoken.

Responsorial
I shall live in the house of the Lord all the days of my life.

Gospel Acclamation
Behold, the Lord comes to save his people; blessed are those prepared to meet him.

Gospel
The Healing of Many People.
The Feeding of the Four Thousand.

At that time:
Jesus walked by the Sea of Galilee, went up on the mountain, and sat down there. Great crowds came to him, having with them the lame, the blind, the deformed, the mute, and many others. They placed them at his feet, and he cured them.

Jesus summoned his disciples and said, “My heart is moved with pity for the crowd, for they have been with me now for three days and have nothing to eat. I do not want to send them away hungry, for fear they may collapse on the way.”

He ordered the crowd to sit down on the ground.
They all ate and were satisfied.
They picked up the fragments left over–seven baskets full.

Peace be with you,
Deacon Gerry

Greetings on this the Tuesday of the First Week of Advent
Readings: Is 11:1-10; Ps 72:1-2, 7-8, 12-13, 17; Lk 10:21-24
Notes: You get a preview of Wordless Wednesday Winter Flowers which is scheduled to publish Dec 27th, 2023.

Summary

As we enter the winter season we encounter a world at sleep. Trees and bushes seem to be slumbering. Animals hibernate. Yet still life sprouts forward every day. In a manner of speaking the days of creation are not yet completed. Life continues to grow and form even in the depths of the earth. In the spiritual sense, the final stage is the blossoming of the root of Jesse. The coming of the Kingdom corresponds to the coming of Jesus Incarnate. We just have to be alert to the growth all around us.

What are the Flowers of the Incarnation?

A Spirit of wisdom and of understanding,
a Spirit of counsel and of strength,
a Spirit of knowledge and of fear of the LORD.

The Ideal Davidic King of Isaiah brings these Flowers of Incarnation

• Justice
• Faithfulness
• Removal of the ruthless
• Disarming of the wicked
• Peace between adversaries
• Shared meals
• Peaceful sleep
• Joyful wandering
• Rest
• Food and shelter
• Play

Reflection

In today’s gospel portion Jesus urges us to be aware and to keep a sharp eye.

Turning to the [YOU] in private he said, “Blessed are the eyes that see what you see. For I say to you, many prophets and kings desired to see what you see, but did not see it, and to hear what you hear, but did not hear it.” Keep a sharp eye! The blessings of this day have never been seen before. And they are for you.

Personal Reflection

Yesterday was a marvelous day. Served with my old pastor at Saint Thomas More for a funeral of a friend and sister of my neighbor. Graveside served with a fellow deacon to give a wonderfully blended committal service. Took a phone call from a deacon who wanted advice on taking the CPE to become an interfaith chaplain. Took another phone call from a deacon regarding the theme for 2024 of the OLOF retreat center. Then a Wordless Wednesday trail walk I call Winter Flowers. An unexpected delightful day.

My reflection today is Winter Flowers. The LORD, Our God, is always at work renewing the Face of the Earth. The stump of Jesse may have appeared dead and lifeless was ready to bloom with the presence of the divine life. Jesus the sprout.

Consider the Flowers of the Incarnation above. Can you see them sprouting around you and within you? The LORD has been at work silently in the earth of our being. Let us look for and enjoy the flowers he has planted.

First Reading
On that day, A shoot shall sprout from the stump of Jesse, and from his roots a bud shall blossom. On that day, The root of Jesse, set up as a signal for the nations, The Gentiles shall seek out, for his dwelling shall be glorious.

Responsorial
Justice shall flourish in his time, and fullness of peace for ever.

Gospel Acclamation
Behold, our Lord shall come with power; he will enlighten the eyes of his servants.

Gospel
Turning to the disciples in private he said, “Blessed are the eyes that see what you see. For I say to you, many prophets and kings desired to see what you see, but did not see it, and to hear what you hear, but did not hear it.”

Peace be with you,
Deacon Gerry

Greetings on this the Monday of the First Week of Advent
Readings: Is 2:1-5; Ps 122:1-2, 3-4b, 4cd-5, 6-7, 8-9; Mt 8:5-11
Notes: None.

Summary

“Lord, my servant is lying at home paralyzed, suffering dreadfully.” He said to him, “I will come and cure him.” And Jesus said to the centurion, “You may go; as you have believed, let it be done for you.” And at that very hour [his] servant was healed. We have a world filled with dreadful suffering. Yet as our gospel reading reassures us the LORD helps us overcome the personal and social suffering as expressed in faith.

It is not worthiness that the LORD responds to rather he always responds to our needs spoken and unspoken. But speaking out our needs is for us to do that we might also soothe ourselves and give meaning to our plight. Speaking out our needs sears the conscience of the perpetrator with the potential for change in heart and mind and action.

Advent is a season of change. Let us gather into the LORD.

Resource: https://deacongerrypalermo.blog/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/three-year-cycle-four-week-advent.pdf

Reflection

From the book When Bad Things Happen to Good People

“We cannot merely pray to You, O God, to end war; For we know that You have made the world in a way That man must find his own path to peace Within himself and with his neighbor. We cannot merely pray to You, O God, to end starvation; For you have already given us the resources With which to feed the entire world If we would only use them wisely. We cannot merely pray to You, O God, To root out prejudice, For You have already given us eyes With which to see the good in all men If we would only use them rightly. We cannot merely pray to You, O God, to end despair, For You have already given us the power To clear away slums and to give hope If we would only use our power justly. We cannot merely pray to You, O God, to end disease, For you have already given us great minds with which To search out cures and healing, If we would only use them constructively. Therefore we pray to You instead, O God, For strength, determination, and willpower, To do instead of just to pray, To become instead of merely to wish. Jack Riemer, Likrat Shabbat”

― Harold S. Kushner, When Bad Things Happen to Good People

Personal Reflection

Before we receive Holy Communion at Mass we say just as the Centurion said: “Lord, I am not worthy to have you enter under my roof; only say the word and my servant will be healed. When I say these words I invoke my faith and the faithful to make my heart open, my roof open, my mouth open to receive the Divine Gift. I want God to fix the world. He wants to fix me to fix the world.

First Reading
For from Zion shall go forth instruction, and the word of the LORD from Jerusalem. He shall judge between the nations, and impose terms on many peoples. They shall beat their swords into plowshares and their spears into pruning hooks; One nation shall not raise the sword against another, nor shall they train for war again.

O house of Jacob, come, let us walk in the light of the LORD!

Responsorial
Let us go rejoicing to the house of the Lord.

Pray for the peace of Jerusalem!
May those who love you prosper!
May peace be within your walls,
prosperity in your buildings.

Gospel Acclamation
Come and save us, LORD our God; Let your face shine upon us, that we may be saved.

Gospel
The Healing of a Centurion’s Servant.

“Amen, I say to you, in no one in Israel have I found such faith. I say to you, many will come from the east and the west, and will recline with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob at the banquet in the Kingdom of heaven.”

Peace be with you,
Deacon Gerry

Greetings on this the First Sunday of Advent
Readings: IS 63:16B-17, 19B; 64:2-7; PS 80:2-3, 15-16, 18-19; 1 COR 1:3-9; MK 13:33-37
Notes: Seasons of readings: Advent, Christmas, Ordinary Time (Time After Epiphany), Lent, Easter, Pentecost and Ordinary Time (Time After Pentecost).

Advent candles (“Arrival” or “Coming”)

1. Jesus is the light entering the darkness. We hope in him.
2. Jesus is the peace of the Father. We find peace in him.
3. Jesus is the Joy of the Father. We find joy in him.
4. Jesus is the Love of the Father. We find love in him.

Summary

We are in the season of Advent. It’s complicated. We are far from the LORD by our own making. We are close to the LORD by the desire of His heart. In our reading from the prophet Isaiah the writer seeks the LORD’s return of favor. Something is missing and it is the LORD. Yet Isaiah knows it is our own mistakes that make things strained. But he is clear, LORD, you are the Potter, we the clay. Only you can transform us to our best image and likeness of you.

Yet still in the accusation is the strength – the hope the LORD can change things: There is none who calls upon your name, who rouses himself to cling to you.

We can call out his name. We can cling to him.
He invites us to do so.

Reflection

Advent – Arrival or Coming. For each person the question has a different answer. Has Jesus arrived or is he passing by? Is he the hope of anticipation or the living out of the union with you? I think the answer is very much in flux in three ways.

1. Jesus has already arrived and will come again on the Cosmic scale.
2. Jesus has already invited us into his life and will come back around again and again with the invitation on the personal scale.
3. In the philosophical and theological scale, Jesus is always arriving and wanting us to be alert to his presence. And, again, Jesus is always coming to visit during the course of our life as the perpetual promise he makes to his children, us. I am with you always, even to the end of the age.

Personal Reflection

As a child Advent was the great anticipation of the birth of Jesus. Babies are cute and the idea of Jesus incarnate was so very compelling for me as a kid. Are we there yet? Whether a car ride or waiting for Christmas morning, that was the question. For me as an adult the Joyful mysteries of the rosary are much more impactful. How everyone responds to Jesus. The gospel of Luke chapters 1 and 2 are so very moving to me. Everyone has an answer to God. The gospels of Matthew (1 & 2) and Luke (1 & 2) give the infancy narratives in their own ways. I think a lot about how people respond to the LORD.

First Reading
From Isaiah’s Prayer for the Return of God’s Favor

You, LORD, are our father, our redeemer you are named forever. Why do you let us wander, O LORD, from your ways, and harden our hearts so that we fear you not?
There is none who calls upon your name, who rouses himself to cling to you; for you have hidden your face from us and have delivered us up to our guilt.
Yet, O LORD, you are our father; we are the clay and you the potter: we are all the work of your hands.

Responsorial
Lord, make us turn to you; let us see your face and we shall be saved.

May your help be with the man of your right hand,
with the son of man whom you yourself made strong.
Then we will no more withdraw from you;
give us new life, and we will call upon your name.

Second Reading
God is faithful, and by him you were called to fellowship with his Son, Jesus Christ our Lord. He will keep you firm to the end. Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.

Gospel Acclamation
Show us Lord, your love; and grant us your salvation.

Gospel
Need for Watchfulness.
Be watchful! Be alert! You do not know when the time will come.

Peace be with you,
Deacon Gerry