Isaiah 40: 1-5, 9-11/ 2 PT 3: 8-14 / Mark 1: 1-8 In the coming days of preparation for Christmas, we will ponder the role of Saint Joseph, the response of our Blessed Mother to the angel, the Visitation, Zechariah’s lack of faith and our Blessed Mother’s perfect faith. Holiness of life is discovered in prayer but also in action. God sees and knows all things, and He knows the answer to the one and only question that matters on the day of judgment: “Did I fulfill the will of the Father in Heaven?”. She lives in Cincinnati, Ohio with her deacon dad, mom, younger brother, two dogs and two bunnies. 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. Amen. But, sadly, this is too often an illustration of the way many in authority do live their lives. Lord, fill me with true humility. As a human, He also experienced hatred, abuse, persecution, and murder. Item: G4285. Help us to love you and love all of your children. Donate now. We pray this through Christ our Lord. Social media daily seeks to fill our short attention span with sound bites and images that satisfy for but a moment. Advent Reflections 2020 – First Week of Advent: God is Our Father. We will become His “mother” in the sense that we will bring Jesus into our world for others. How have you been changed by the transforming power of Christ? Advent Reflection for November 29 – First Sunday of Advent, Advent Reflection for November- 30: Feast of St. Andrew, Apostle, Advent Reflection December 2 – Wednesday of First Week of Advent, December 3 – Memorial of Saint Francis Xavier, Advent Reflection for December 4 – Friday of the First Week of Advent, Advent Reflection for December 5– Saturday of the First Week of Advent, Advent Reflection for December 6 – Second Sunday of Advent, Isaiah 40: 1-5, 9-11/ 2 PT 3: 8-14 / Mark 1: 1-8, Advent Reflection for December 7 – Memorial of Saint Ambrose, Bishop and Doctor if the Church, Advent Reflection for December 8 – Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Genesis 3: 9-15, 20; Psalm 98: 1-4; Ephesians 1: 3-6, 11-12; Luke 1: 26-38, Advent Reflection for December 12 – Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe, Advent Reflection for December 13 – Third Sunday of Advent, IS 61:1-2A, 10-11 / LK 1:46-48, 49-50, 53-54./ 1 THES 5:16-24 / JN 1:6-8, 19-28, NM 24:2-7, 15-17A / PS 25:4-5AB, 6 AND 7BC, 8-9 / MT 21:23-27, Advent Reflection for December 15 – Tuesday of the Third Week of Advent, Advent Reflection for December 16 – Wednesday of the Third Week of Advent, Advent Reflection for December 19 – Saturday of the Third Week of Advent, JGS 13:2-7, 24-25A / PS 71:3-4A, 5-6AB, 16-17/ LK 1:5-25, Advent Reflection for December 20 – The Fourth Sunday of Advent, 2 Samuel 7:1-5, 8b-12, 14a, 16 / Romans 16:25-27 / Luke 1:26-38, Advent Reflection for Monday December 21: Monday of the Fourth Week of Advent, Advent Reflection for Tuesday December 22: Tuesday of the Fourth Week of Advent, 1 SM 1:24-28 / 1 SAMUEL 2:1, 4-5, 6-7, 8ABCD / LK 1:46-56, Advent Reflection for Wednesday December 23: Wednesday of the Fourth Week of Advent, MAL 3:1-4, 23-24 / PS 25:4-5AB, 8-9, 10 AND 14 / LK 1:57-66, Advent Reflection for Thursday, December 24 Christmas Eve, St. Valentine: How a beheaded martyr became the poster child for romantic love. (Dad was always a stickler for a clean edge on the lawn.) Luke 1:64. And even now. Honor her as such this day and always. Loyola Press Online Advent Calendar Use an online Advent calendar featuring daily reflections … The past 2,000 years have been years in which Christ was continually made manifest to the world in countless ways. She works in the Stewardship Office for the Archdiocese. This truth is at the crux of the Gospel today. He came to the first and said, ‘Son, go out and work in the vineyard today.’ The son said in reply, ‘I will not,’ but afterwards he changed his mind and went. Gabriel is God’s most notable messenger. Prayer: God, there are a lot of things “not normal” about this Christmas. In the end, the Truth that God has spoken throughout the ages and His holy and divine presence are all that matter. Like Zechariah, we are all weak and sinful. One of the most delightful and healthy activities in life is sleep. As the Director of the Archdiocesan Mission Office, Mike invites your support for our 1,200 struggling mission dioceses worldwide. But even though Zechariah hears this message from Gabriel, the Archangel who stands before God, he doubts what he is being told. Isaiah 63: 16-17; 64: 2-7/1 Corinthians 1: 3-9/Mark 13: 33-37. You may have read them, strangers giving tips as large as the carry-out order itself. Give me the courage and wisdom I need to hold nothing back from You and Your divine calling in my life. She wanted to become a mother, and she is now the mother of the entire world. Wake up and diligently be attentive to the profound voice of our Lord. Whether you’re on a boat coming into the harbor, or you’re going home after a long day’s work, or working from home…it’s our center. But if we can keep in mind that even the “prostitutes and tax collectors” eventually came around, we will be encouraged to eventually change our ways. And considering the admonitions of Isiah to protect God’s creation, we could use this Advent to evaluate our efforts for God’s reign of compassion during this Covid pandemic and our struggle for environmental beauty for coming generations. This story should teach us much about what is most important in life. The other day my 1.5-year-old son as we were sitting down to dinner folded his hands before he began to eat. Therefore, we must also become aggressive in the sense that we must directly take on these enemies with the fortitude and boldness of Christ. But unless each one of us enters into a form of prayer that is deep and transforming, we will not be able to experience the interior spiritual rest we need. In fact, it was so mysterious that even Saint Joseph initially couldn’t accept it. So what does this teach us? This time the bishop asked for a sign, and Juan reported this to the Mother of God. Or have you come to know the very Person of Christ our Lord to such an extent that you are able to give witness to Him Who died. By day she works for NET Ministries. My dear Lord, I do say “Yes” to You this day. How grateful Jesus must have been to have such a man as his earthly father! Subscribe to … The enemies of our soul are real, and they are aggressive. Invitation to Prayer: At this time of year, we encounter many distractions which often require that we adjust schedules and priorities. Advent Reflection for December 16 – Wednesday of the Third Week of Advent First, ponder the question of whether you have said “Yes” to Him with all the powers of your soul. ... Next Video Daily Readings and Homily - 2020-1... Latest Videos. Advent Reflection for November 29 – First Sunday of Advent Isaiah 63: 16-17; 64: 2-7/1 Corinthians 1: 3-9/Mark 13: 33-37. This is especially the case when one is able to enter into a deep and refreshing sleep. Help me, especially, to have a deep concern for those whom I find most difficult to love. But I know I am important to you. Think about the amazing reality that we are about to celebrate. This is a wonderful image of what we must seek to have in our interior life. The prophets and kings of old “desired” to see the Messiah. We take on the enemy of the flesh by fasting and self-denial. In today’s Gospel, it was the Holy Spirit Who enabled Zechariah to proclaim the greatness of God’s act of sending John the Baptist ahead of Jesus to prepare the way for Him. Recommit yourself to a true proclamation of Christ, setting aside any and all confused images of our saving God. Perhaps the answer is a bit of both, but the ordering of this line in Sacred Scripture implies that she first proclaimed and as a result was filled with joy. Virginia Theological Seminary, in partnership with Forward Movement, is offering 27 daily meditations and images via email and social media, beginning Sunday, November 29th, that offer a way to reflect and pause for the Advent season. May it be done to me according to your word.” Luke 1:38a (Year B). This Gospel passage above is the first part of a two-part story. Ask Him to show you why that moment was so joyful. Imagine the scene. In the same way, we need to give Jesus the best place within us… our hearts. Prayer: Take a moment to read or reread today’s Scripture passages. We also identified that the seven heads of the dragon represent the seven capital sins: pride, avarice, envy, wrath, lust, gluttony and sloth (CCC 1866). And coming to her, he said, “Hail, full of grace! John the Baptist knew this, dedicating his life to humility, he used camel’s hair clothing, locusts, and honey as a way to prepare himself, before he even knew how grand of a calling Christ would bestow upon him. That He will do what He has promised He will do? Recall that nine months earlier, as Zechariah was fulfilling his priestly duty of offering sacrifice within the Holy of Holies in the Temple, he received a visit from the glorious Archangel Gabriel, who stands before God. As we begin this Advent season, we must allow the call of Andrew and Peter to also become our own calling. Advent Reflection for December 18 – Friday of the Third Week of Advent Prayer: O Come, Lord Jesus, and by the power of your Spirit breathe upon us once more so that we may remain vigilant and alert, as we wait for your return. Recall that it was by the Holy Spirit Who overshadowed Mother Mary that she conceived the Christ Child. But God had a plan. Advent Reflection for December 12 – Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe She submitted her life completely to the Most Holy Trinity, not only for her own good but also to set an example for each one of us. I’d invite you to take a minute to thank God for the gift of faith and ask Him to bless you by strengthening your faith. Though this year may not be going according to our original plan, it is happening for a reason. Are you looking, seeking, waiting, anticipating and preparing for Christ to come? Read and/or listen to daily meditations written by members of the Seminary community. Again, what an amazing reality we celebrate! Jesus said to the chief priests and the elders of the people: “What is your opinion? They picked up the fragments left over–seven baskets full. And Jesus said to them in reply, “Go and tell John what you have seen and heard: the blind regain their sight, the lame walk, lepers are cleansed, the deaf hear, the dead are raised, the poor have the good news proclaimed to them.”  Luke 7:22. We work at that, instead of asking God what He wants us to do. Try to let the Word of the Lord speak to you. Then he took the seven loaves and the fish, gave thanks, broke the loaves, and gave them to the disciples, who in turn gave them to the crowds. Some fervent Christians may dream of becoming a popular evangelist. We must ponder the people Whom God chose to be intimately involved, and we should reflect upon the smallest of details regarding how this miracle of miracles took place. Though Jesus came to Earth over 2,000 years ago in the form of a little child, He continues to come to us today. Yes, Lord, you are our refuge and strength, our comfort and assurance who guides us through the trials of life. Turn off the television, the phone, the social media apps. Daily Reflection Of Creighton University's Online Ministries . Though this truth had been held for centuries among the Catholic faithful, it was solemnly declared as a dogma of our faith on December 8, 1854, by Pope Pius IX. Imagine the beauty of the soul of Mary. But his notoriety did not go to his head. What could be greater than exhorting others to a life of selfless surrender to the one and only God of mercy? Why wait to proclaim the greatness of God? My divine Lord, I know You are alive today, speaking to me, calling me and revealing to me Your glorious presence. It means having a regard for all citizens and seeking to respond effectively to the needs of the least fortunate,” Pope Francis wrote. But reflect, especially, upon her motherly love. Of course, the opposite is also true. Jesus did not ask for their identity cards or passports nor did he ask which tribe or nation they were from before he reached out to them. Some translations say that the “attackers” are taking the Kingdom by force. Jesus, I trust in You. Read more. Joy comes from first serving God, loving Him and giving Him the honor due His name. Abbie Kohler resides in Cincinnati since 2017. In which ways are you being tested by others? He is God. (I know I’m not the only one). We lack the perfect faith that our Blessed Mother had. Jesus’ invitation in today’s Gospel to “Come to me…” is an invitation to become transformed, interiorly, as we allow Him to relieve us of the burdens of our daily lives. Juan did as she said, and upon finding the flowers, he cut them and filled his outer cloak, his tilma, with them so he could bring them to the bishop as the sign requested. Hear Him? Invitation to Prayer: As we begin this Advent journey, we are … Admit the ways that you lack perfect faith and allow that act of humble acknowledgment to strengthen you where you need help the most. Words of forgiveness, peace, and comfort! Take, for example, those who are “lepers.” These are those who are the “rejects” of society. It’s also important to note that John said to the Pharisees that they “do not recognize” the one who is coming after him. He asks us to do the best we can.” There is great reassurance is this. Prayer: O God, reach into our hearts and our world with your wisdom and peace. But Jesus knew their thoughts and decided to do one more act for the good of these religious leaders. As I humble myself before You and confess my weakness of faith, strengthen me to respond more fully each day to all that You say to me. And Jesus responds by pointing to the fact that lives have been changed. Reflect, today, upon the love Jesus had for these religious leaders. But the painting I recently saw took a different perspective: it was from the vantage point of Peter. But He will call you to do this in the unique way within your own vocation. “Which comes first, to praise God or to rejoice in Him?” Perhaps you’ve never asked yourself that question, but it’s worth pondering both the question and the answer. We “fall asleep” on a spiritual level every time we turn our interior eyes to the passing, unimportant and even sinful things of this world. Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, as it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. As I see more clearly the ways I have refused Your grace, give me courage and strength to change so as to more fully conform to Your perfect plan for my life. I try to imagine myself in that position, and while I can’t quite fathom it, I realize that I am tasked with carrying Jesus around in my body through Holy Communion. By day she works for NET Ministries. Our personal reflection does not happen on its own. Prayer: Father, may I never cease to praise You and thank You. Too often, instead, we become engrossed in sin, the effects of sin, hurt, scandal, division, hatred and those things that lead to despair. Reflect, today, upon that important question in your own life. This Advent Calendar features 27 days of daily scripture and reflection… Jesus instructed them to “See that no one knows about this” miraculous healing. Reflect, today, upon whether you feel weary at times. Ideally, our lives are directed by a deep and pure love of God, and it is this love and this love alone that directs our lives. Today is a day to simply Rejoice! I turn to you, this day, in my need, and I trust that you will bring me the abundant grace of your Son, Jesus. The second son says he will go but does not go. But, to Joseph’s defense, who could accept such a thing? ”Looking to the common good is much more than the sum of what is good for individuals. “Are you the one who is to come?” In Luke’s gospel today, this is the vital question the disciples of John the Baptist were sent to ask Jesus. Precious Lord, give me the grace I need to respond to every prompting of grace in my life. “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.”  Matthew 7:21. Reflect, today, upon any sin you have committed that has had painful consequences in your life. The good work began in Him, and bears the most complete fruit when it remains rooted in Him as well. Reflection: “I’m not afraid to try new things. SG 2:8-14 / PS 33:2-3, 11-12, 20-21 / LK 1:39-45, Invitation to Prayer: Exult, you just, in the Lord! 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.”  Luke 10:23–24, Reflect, today, upon whether Jesus would caution you about speaking too loudly about. We are not subject to the changing of this world, the caprice of a tyrant. Fill me with your love so that I may be strengthened in faith in order to be a witness of your joyful coming at Christmas. Reflect, today, upon the miraculous actions of the Mother of God. First, we see that Zechariah is “filled with the Holy Spirit.” And as a result of this gift of the Holy Spirit, Zechariah “prophesied.” These two revelations are very significant. Yes. He taught us that we must take up our own crosses and follow Him. Please show me what you ARE doing! Reflection: The first reading begins with a Jacob, a father calling his sons together saying, “Assemble and listen, sons of Jacob, listen to Israel, your father.” He goes on to talk about the authority given to Judah and that he shall be praised and receive homage from the people. Jesus, I trust in You! The Catholic Health Association of the United States wishes you a peace-filled Advent … ... 2020 - 3rd Sunday of Advent - Firm and Steadfast Joy. Allow it to become a blazing flame which longs to consume all that is true and all that is good. The Messiah. In the second half of his canticle, Zechariah addresses his infant son, exclaiming that he will be a great prophet and will prepare the way for the Lord. Use features like bookmarks, note taking and highlighting while reading Waiting in Joyful Hope: Daily Reflections for Advent and Christmas 2020 … Jesus, I trust in You. IS 35:1-10 / PS 85:9AB AND 10, 11-12, 13-14 / LK 5:17-26. Closing: Thank you, God for being our source of hope and grace during this time of uncertainty. His gaze is perpetual and deep. Because at the end of my life His second coming will happen, whether He comes to earth in that time or when I die I will meet Him. Reflection: In today’s readings we hear the prophet Isaiah speak about the coming Messiah. But prior to being sent on this mission by our Lord, they had to become His followers. Spiritual Exercises of St. Ignatius of Loyola, National Liturgical Calendars of the World. Matthew 1:18–19. But when we live and proclaim the truth, we will be criticized by some and will suffer as a result. Then thank Him for that gift and revisit that memory through the day as a source of Joy. Do you know His voice? Amen. It appears as if God knew that Zechariah needed nine months to silently reflect upon what the Archangel had said. And now, on the day of judgment, the truth is made manifest for you and for all to see. Do not hesitate. Humility is found clearly in these words and actions of John the Baptist in the passage above. They all ate and were satisfied. Give me courage, boldness and fortitude so that I can fight the good fight of faith and never waver from seeking You and Your most holy will for my life. Saint Clement of Alexandria says that the Kingdom of Heaven belongs “to those who fight against themselves” (. This final week leading up to Christmas can oftentimes become filled with busyness and other forms of preparation, such as shopping, cooking, traveling, decorating, etc. Prayer: Lord Jesus, help us to say yes to you and not hold ourselves back in fear. In today’s first reading we hear about a shoot that will spring from the stump of Jesse. We all need the saving power of God in our lives. And the reciprocal effect upon her from the Most Holy Trinity was to direct all her thoughts and actions, all her passions and desires and every single part of her life to glory, fulfillment and holiness of life. Reflection for Christmas Day I know that You speak to me day and night, and I fail to listen and obey. Dearest Mother Mary, pray for me that I may imitate your perfect “Yes” to the Most Holy Trinity. Reflect, today, upon Jesus speaking these words to you. So many sweet memories to keep me company when people couldn’t. Contact: [email protected]. Ideally, we will turn our eyes to Christ and all that He has revealed to us. Sadly, those words were immediately met with severe interior criticism from these religious leaders. Advent & Christmas Prayers & Reflections May this Advent be a time of spiritual awakening and renewal for you as you prepare to celebrate the birth of the Savior of the World. Invitation to Prayer: In this season, we wait in hope. How unworthy must he have felt for the task. How will you respond? Her love is a pure mercy, a gift of the deepest care and compassion. He said to them, “Come after me, and I will make you fishers of men.”  Matthew 4:18-19. 2020 Daily Scripture and Reflection Advent Calendar - 100/pk. We are almost two weeks into Advent, the season where we eagerly anticipate the arrival of Jesus who – through His life and death – not only gave us the explicit details of God’s path but also showed us how good God is. Israel was taught … My saving God, I pray for insight into my life. Abbie Kohler resides in Cincinnati since 2017. Comments. Yet in Your mercy, You use me anyway. When Mary was about two months pregnant, she traveled to be with her cousin Elizabeth who was to give birth within a month. Saint Juan Diego, pray for us. Give us this day our daily bread. Lord, I thank You for the countless ways in which You have changed my life, healing me of my spiritual illnesses, opening my eyes and ears to Your truth, and raising my soul from death to life. Zechariah his father, filled with the Holy Spirit, prophesied, saying: “Blessed be the Lord, the God of Israel; for he has come to his people and set them free…” Luke 1:67–68.
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