DailyAdventRe.lections2015©2015OurLadyofPerpetualHelpCatholicChurch

ScripturetextsinthisworkaretakenfromtheNewAmericanBible,revisededition©2010,1991,1986,1970ConfraternityofChristianDoctrine,Washington,D.C.andareusedbypermissionofthecopyrightowner.AllRightsReserved.NopartoftheNewAmericanBiblemaybereproducedinanyformwithoutpermissioninwritingfromthecopyrightowner.

Introduc)onAdvent 2015

“Grantyourfaithful,wepray,almightyGod,theresolvetorunforthtomeetyourChristwithrighteousdeedsathiscoming…”

ThisistheopeningprayerforMassonthe.irstSundayofAdvent.Itmightstrikeyouasalittlestrangethatwebeginaseasonofquiet,re.lectionandprayerbyaskingGod,inourvery.irstprayer,togiveus“theresolve torun forth tomeetyourChrist…” Itdoesn’tseemveryquietorre.lectiveatall,butsomethingmorebusyandactive.SodidwejustasktheLordtoblessuswithabusy,hecticactivity-.illed Advent? No, thankfully. This prayer isn’t about a physical“running forth” here and there, but about what is supposed tohappenwithinourhearts.It’sarunningforthintothequiet,silenceandpeaceofprayerwheretheLordcandowhatheneedstodoinordertoprepareourheartsforthecomingofChrist.Somethinginterestinghappensinprayer:thequieterandmorestillwebecome,themorebusyandactivetheLordbecomeswithinourhearts.Maybethis iswhywesometimesavoidprayer,becausewedon’t really want the Lord changing too much within us. We getcomfortable with our routines and in the safety of our comfortzones.My prayer for us this Advent is that we won’t fear the quiet ofprayer.IhopethatthisbookletofAdventre.lections,writtenbyourparishstaff,willhelpyoutotaketimethisAdventtomeettheLordandallowhimthespaceandtimetobeatworkwithinyourhearts,preparingyouforthecomingofChrist.MayGodblessyouandyourlovedonesthisseason!

� Rev.ErikArnold,Pastor

Sunday,November29,2015+1stWeekofAdvent

� Jer33:14-16+Ps25:4-5,8-9,10,14+1Thes3:12—4:2,Luke

21:25-28,34-36

Thedaysarecoming,saystheLORD,whenIwillful@illthepromiseImade–Jeremiah33:14

ButWait,There'sMore!

Everyyear,AdventbeginswithoutanymentionofChristmas–noangels, no shepherds, nomagi. Instead, our readingson the .irstSundayofAdventalwayslookaheadtowhatwearestillwaitingfor(Jesuscomingagaininglory),notwhathasalreadyhappened(hisbirth inBethlehem).AdventbeginsbyremindingusthatGodisn't.inished yet, there is still more to come. This is such a hopefulthoughtinthemidstofourstrugglesanddif.icultieseachday.Godisn't.inishedyet.He'snotdonewithmeandhe'snotdonewiththeworld. Advent tells us that God is still deeply and intimatelyinvolvedinourworld:“Thedaysarecoming,saystheLORD,whenIwillful.illthepromiseImade…” So let'sbeginAdvent inasimpleway:bychoosingtoputourfaith and trust in that truth that God isn't donewithme and theworld yet. The way we approach our struggles, dif.iculties andtrialschangeswhenwebelievethattheLordisstillsomehowactivein themidst of themall, even ifwedon't knowexactlyhowor inwhatway.

Prayer:LordJesus, Ibelievethatwhenyoubecameoneofustwothousandyearsago,youjoinedyourselftousinapermanentway.Help me to believe that you're not .inished yet, especially in theareasofmylifewhereImoststruggle.

PutItIntoPractice:TheLordwantstoworkthroughustoremindothersthatheisstillintheworld.LookforanopportunitytodaytoloveanotherthroughyourwordsordeedssothattheymightcatchaglimpseofGod’spresencethroughyou.

Monday,November30,2015+1stWeekofAdvent

� Rom10:9-18+Ps19:8-11+Matt4:18-22

“Foronebelieveswiththeheartandsoisjusti@ied, andoneconfesseswiththemouthandsoissaved.“-Rom10:10

HeadandShoulders,KneesandToesSoifyouhaveatoddleroroncehadatoddler,Iknowyouarenowsinging,“kneesandtoes,eyesandearsandmouthandnose…”Thisverycatchytuneisusedinearlychildhoodeducationtoteachbodyparts. Why? Becausebeforewe learnaboutsomething,wemust.irstlearnitsname.Then,onceweunderstanditsfunctionwecanteachothers.Andwhatarewemostcomfortableteaching?Thingswelovetopeoplewhomwelove.Today,ScriptureisveryclearthatwearetoparticipateinthemissionoftheChurchwithourwords,hearts,minds,andevenourfeet. “Buthowcantheycallonhiminwhomtheyhavenotbelieved?Andhowcantheybelieveinhimofwhom they have not heard? And how can they hear withoutsomeonetopreach?Andhowcanpeoplepreachunless theyaresent?” Re.lectinguponthisverseweseethatwemust.irstknowthe person of Christ. To know him does not rest with simplylearningfactsabouthislife,buttoknowhimjustasonewouldgettoknowafriend.Weknowourfriendsbecausewespendtimewiththem (Adoration), talk to them (Prayer), learn from them(Scripture)andhavebeen transformedby their life (Sacraments).As we apply these aspects to our spiritual relationship with theTrinity,weencounterChristinawaywhichallowsustobelieveandconfess his love, his life and saving grace to all our sisters andbrothers.

Prayer:DearGod,sendforthyourHolySpiritsothatImaybe.illedwiththejoyofbelieving.Maythelove,fromwhichyoucreatedme,movemeincouragetobeawitnessofyourlivingpresenceinthisworld.

Put It Into Practice: Over the next four weeks think about andanswerthisquestion,“HowdoyouknowJesusisReal?”Trynottorepeatwhatyouweretaughtinaclassorthinkistherightanswertothisquestion,butratherwhatyoufeelinyourheart.TheBonusPractice item is: Find ways to share that experience of how youknowJesusisRealwithothersduringAdvent.

Tuesday,December1,2015+1stWeekofAdvent

� Isa11:1-10+Ps72:1-2,7-8,12-13,17+Luke10:21-24

“Turningtothedisciplesinprivatehesaid,‘Blessedaretheeyesthatseewhatyousee.ForIsaytoyou,manyprophetsandkingsdesiredtoseewhatyousee,butdidnotseeit,andtohearwhatyouhear,but

didnothearit.’”–Luke10:23-24

AnAdventVisionandHearingTestIfwetakeamomentatthestartofthisAdventseason,whatdoweseeandheararoundus? Doweseethedecorations,thelights,theornaments, and the gifts? Dowe seeChristmas sale signs or thecards in themail fromfriendsandrelatives farandwide? Dowehearour favoritesongs that remindusofourchildhoodor familygatheringsoncoldsnowynights? Someofthesethingsdoaddtoourenjoymentoftheseason,butasdisciplesweareblessedtoseeand hear so muchmore. We see the Holy Spirit at work in thegenerosity of giving to those in need of friendship, warmth, andcomfort.WeheartheretellingoftheincarnationofChristbringingjoy to the entireworld, reminding us of God’s gift to take on ourhumanityinin.initelove. Thankyou,Lord,forthegiftofyourSon,whointhegiftofdiscipleshiphasgivenustheeyesandearstoseeandhearyouinourlives.

Prayer:LordJesus,givemetheeyesandearsofdiscipleshipthatImay see yourworks andhear your voice in everymoment ofmyday.

Put It IntoPractice:Take .iveminutes in themiddleof yourdaytodaytore.lectonwhereyousawthepresenceofChristorheardhisvoiceinthemidstofyourdailyactivities.

Wednesday,December2,2015+1stWeekofAdvent

� Isa25:6-10a+Ps23:1-3a,3b-4,5,6+Matt15:29-37

“Thecrowdswereamazed…andtheyglori@iedtheGodofIsrael.”-Matt15:31

IBelieveYears ago, there was a high school Religion teacher name FatherBellwoar. Every time one of his students questioned anythingaboutJesus,hesimplyreplied,“Credo”,whichistheLatinwordfor“I believe”. Although his advice was always frustrating for hisstudents, his words reminded them that we all have faith, a giftfromGod,tohelpusbelieve.

Today,manymiracles takeplace right before our eyes, but dowestoptore.lectuponthem,andpraiseGod? Or,dowesimplyviewthemascoincidencesoractsofnature?

OuralmightyGodlovesusand“hisheartismovedwithpity”whenwearesuffering.Hewantstobringhealingtoourlives.Weneedtotalk toGod inprayerand listentohimspeakingtous throughhisWord,andallowhisgracetoopenoureyestothetruthsthatheisrevealingtous.

So, open your hearts andminds, today, and believe, that the Godwholovesyouwithanabundantlove,istheonewhowillturnallofyourworriesandcarestojoy!

Prayer:HeavenlyFather,thankyouforthegiftoffaith.Helpmetobelieveandtrustthatallthingsarepossiblewithyou.

PutItIntoPractice:Readtoday’sGospelandimaginethatyouarepresentandsittingatJesus’feet. Withahumbleheartshareyourthoughtsandfeelingsasachild.

Thursday,December3,2015+1stWeekofAdvent

� Isa26:1-6+Ps118:1+8-9,19-21,25-27a+Matt7:21,24-27

“Everyonewholistenstothesewordsofmineandactsonthemwillbelikeawisemanwhobuilthishouseonrock.Therainfell,the

@loodscame,andthewindsblewandbuffetedthehouse.Butitdidnotcollapse;ithadbeensetsolidlyonrock.”–Matt7:24-25

SolidasaRock!Thisclassicpassagetellsusaboutthetwofoundations- thehousebuiltonsturdyrockandtheotherbuiltonwaveringsand. Ifyouaskyouraveragearchitectwhichofthesetwodwellingsisgoingtohold up when the storms come, you probably know the answeryou’ll get. So,when the stormsof ourmessy lives start to come,havewebuiltourhomesontherockthatisJesusChrist?Or,dowebuildupon.leeting,earthlythingsthatcrumbleandwashaway?

We’re sometimes tempted to build upon the sand of sel.ishnessbecauseitcanlookshinyandglamorous. Jesus’ loveissteadfast,and that strong foundation never falters. The Lord promises useternal life, not an easy life. So, we know that those clouds aregoingtorollinandthestormsaregoingtocrashandblowagainstourhouseoffaith. Onwhatfoundationareyougoingtochoosetobuild?

Prayer: Lord Jesus, help me to look at each life experience andchoiceasabrickthatIcanusetobuilduponthefoundationofmyrelationshipwithyou.

PutItIntoPractice:Asourdwellingplaceoffaithismade.irmonthefoundationofChrist, inviteothers intothathome. ShareyourconvictionandfaithinJesusbyprayingwithafriendorrelative.

Friday,December4,2015+1stWeekofAdvent

� Isa29:17-24+Ps27:1,4,13-14+Matt9:27-31

“Andoutofgloomanddarkness,theeyesoftheblindshallsee.”–Isa29:18

IWasBlindButNowISeeResearchers estimate that human beings take in approximately80% of all information through sight. Naturally, other sensescombinewithsighttoallowustoperceivetheworldmoreclearly,but sight is the dominant sense. And it is precisely with thisknowledge that we approach the theme of sight with a deeperspiritual insight as found in the readings today! The Gospel ofMatthew reveals not only the beauty of physical healing, but alsohealing of a spiritual nature. These blindmenwere outcastswhocouldneverexperiencetheworldinafullway.IsaiahprophesiesofatimewhenIsraelwill.inallyseetheworkofGod’shandsintheirmidst- a time when “out of gloom and darkness, the eyes of theblindshallsee”.ForIsrael,beingblindwasn’taphysicalcondition,but a condition of the heart. The people of God had spentgenerations in darkness and desired to see once more. TheyproclaimedwiththePsalmist,“IbelievethatIshallseethebountyof the Lord in the land of the living”. Jesus Christ heals us of ourblindnesssowecanonceagainseeGodforwhoheis,aFatherrichinmercy.Wehavewalkedindarknessforsolongthatwe’veoftenmissedthegloryofseeingGod’shandworkinginourlives.Today,we cry outwith theblindmen,with thePsalmist, andwith all ofIsrael,askingtheLordtohealusofourblindnessofheart,sothataswejourneythisAdvent,wemightbeabletoseemoreclearlytheworkGodisdoinginourlives.

Prayer:EternalFather,werejoiceinyourSon,JesusChrist,forthegreatworkyouaccomplishinandthroughhim.Wepraytoday,withthe blindmen, that youmight heal our blindness, that wemightonceagainseethefullnessofyourglory.

PutItIntoPractice:Today,beforebed,gatherasafamilyandhaveeachpersonshareatleastonewaytheysawGod’shandworkingintheirlifetoday.

Saturday,December5,2015+1stWeekofAdvent

� Isa30:19-21,23-26+Ps147:1-2,3-4,5-6+Matt9:35—10:1,5a,

6-8

“TheHarvestisabundant,butthelaborersarefew.”-Matt9:37

ThereIsWorkYettoBeDoneJesuswentthroughthetownsandvillagesteaching,preachingandhealing the sick. He was overwhelmed by the vast number ofpeople coming tohim. Seeingand sensing theneedsof somany,Jesus commissioned the twelve disciples to go and heal the sick,feedthehungry,bringhopetothehopelessinhisname.

Jesuschosethedisciplestoservehimwhilehewasonearth.Jesusalso invitesus topray formorepeople tohelp in theharvest,butJesuscontinuestocallustoactivelyanswerhiscallfortheharvestisstillabundant. Wecanchoose to followhimorremainbehind.WhenJesuscallsyou,howwillyourespond?

Prayer: Dear God, as I anticipate your coming once again thisadventseason,.illmyheart,mybeingwithyourlove. Letme‘see’where you are calling me and give me the courage to respond!Amen.

Put intoPractice: During this .irstweekofAdvent take time tore.lecton theabovereadinganddiscernwhat theLord isstirringwithinyou.Howwillyourespond?

Sunday,December6,2015+2ndWeekofAdvent

� Bar5:1-9+Ps126:1-6+Phil1:4-6,8-11,Luke3:1-6

“PreparethewayoftheLord,makestraighthispaths.Everyvalleyshallbe@illedandeverymountainandhillshallbemadelow.Thewindingroadsshallbemadestraight,andtheroughwaysmadesmooth,andall@leshshallseethesalvationofGod.”–Luke3:4-6

NoObstacleTooGreatAswe prepare our hearts to celebrate the birth of Christ,we arereminded that there are no obstacles that the Lord cannotovercome! What are some obstacles to deepening yourrelationshipwithhiminyourlife? Haveourlivesbecomesobusythat it’s hard to .ind the time? It’s easy to blame familycommitments, work and career obligations, and other personalinterestsfornotmakingtimefortheLord. Weneedtoinvitehiminto those areas of our lives so that our love for him can bestrengthenedandrenewed.

Whilewe often look to these external things that keep us franticand busy in our fast-paced world, sometimes we become theobstacletoourrelationshipwithChrist. Wequestionwhetherweareworthyofhisloveandgrace,sowehesitateandfailtolethimin. This season, let’s invite theLord into those areasof our liveswherewedon’t feelworthyknowing thathe .indsworth ineveryaspectofourbeing.Hemadeusbeautifulinhisimage,andthereisnoobstaclethatcanseparateusfromhislove.

Prayer:Lord,I inviteyouintothoseareasofmylifewhereIdon’tfeelworthyofyour love. Helpmetoremovetheobstacles inourrelationship.

PutItIntoPractice:TakesometimejournalingonafewareasofyourlifethatyoufeelhavebecomeobstaclesbetweenyouandtheLordandfocusonwaysyoucanworktoremovethem.

Monday,December7,2015+2ndWeekofAdvent

� Is35:1-10+Ps85:9-14+Luke5:17-26

“Whatareyouthinkinginyourhearts?”–Luke5:22

Ain’tNoMountainHighEnoughThe Gospel, today, reminds me of Marvin Gaye’s song, “Ain’t NoMountainHighEnough”. Despiteacrowdedhomeandtheobstacleofnotbeingable toenter throughadoor, thesemenof faith tooktheirparalyzedfriendandplacedhiminthepresenceofJesus.

Howmanytimeshaveweletobstaclesandoverextendedscheduleskeepus fromspending timewith Jesus? Dowe follow thecrowdandputotherthings.irstbeforeGod? Thegoodnewsiswedon’thavetoclimbontorooftopstobeinthepresenceofJesus. HehassenthisHolySpirit tobewithusalways, toguideandcomfortus.WecanencounterJesusbyjust listeningforhisvoiceor,receivinghimintheEucharist.

Jesusknowswhatourheartsarefeeling,butheiswaitingforustocometohimtoreceivethemercyandpeacethathesofreelygivesus. WeneedtotrustthatGod’sgracewillworkinourlives,sowewillhavethaturgencytoseekhimasourfriend,healer,orteacher.ThereisnothingthatcouldeverkeepGod’slovefromus.

Prayer: GraciousGod,duringthisYearofMercy,letusrememberthatyouareforeverlovingandguidingus. Bewithusasweshareyourlovewithothers.Amen.

PutItIntoPractice: AttendMassthisweekendandreceiveJesusin the Eucharist. Take a fewminutes to rest and feel his lovinggrace inyourheart.Sharethatreassurancewitha familymemberorfriend.

Tuesday,December8,2015+2ndWeekofAdvent

� Gn3:9-15,20+Ps98:1-4+Eph1:3-6,11-12,Luke1:26-38

“Behold,IamthehandmaidoftheLord.Mayitbedonetomeaccordingtoyourword.”–Luke1:36

CloseOnlyCountsinHorseshoesandHandmaids

TodaywecelebratetheSolemnityoftheImmaculateConceptionoftheBlessedVirginMary!Wecelebrate,withgreat joy, thatGod, inthe fullness of his love and omniscience, preserved Mary ofNazarethfromthestainoforiginalsinsothatwemightreceivesogreataSavior.However,thisdayisn’tjustoneforustolookatMarywith a falsehumility, saying to ourselves, “I’ll neverbe able tobethatholy”,or“Marywasconceivedwithoutsin-Iwasn’t.Howcouldthateverbeme?”Todayisadayforustorealizethecalltoholinessand sainthood that exists for every one of us. The ImmaculateConception,whilemiraculousandnecessaryforthesalvationoftheworld,isnotforallofus.Eventhoughwecarrythatstainoforiginalsinandwearewoundedbyourconcupiscence,wearestillJUSTASABLE to become saints as the Blessed Mother. We have to stopsettling for the “close enough” attitude when it comes to oursanctity!Goddoesn’tdesireforustosettleortobedeterredbytheholy ones who have gone before us; quite the opposite! Theexample of the Blessed Mother is one that should show us howclosewecangettotheLordthroughlivesofprayer,contemplation,and charity. Mary isn’t an icon we venerate and never strive toimitate-no,Maryistheexampleofcloseness,ofintimacywithGodthatourheartsaredestinedfor.TodayletusnotfocusonMaryasadistant,non-relatableexample,butinsteadasanaimingpoint-asamodelofintimacy.

Prayer:HeavenlyFather,wethankyouforpreservingyourservant,Mary, from the stain of original sin, and for raising her up as a

constant example of holiness, charity, and obedience. Help us toemulateherinallthatwedo.HailMary…

Put It Into Practice: Pray the rosary today, asking the BlessedMother to inspire you to become even closer and more intimatewithherSon!

Wednesday,December9,2015+2ndWeekofAdvent

� Isa40:25-31+Ps103:1-2,3-4,8+10+Matt11:28-30

“Takemyyokeuponyouandlearnfromme,forIammeekandhumbleofheart.”–Matt11:29

WhatKindofKingIsThis?

The King of the Heavenly Kingdom! The .irst thought is ofsomething grand and perhaps distant. The Lord is indeed all-powerful.HeistheMightyKing,theSovereignLordandtheEternalJudge.Whata consolation, then, tohear thesewordsof thisKing,Lord,andJudge–whatagifttohearHimdescribehimselfas“meekandhumbleofheart.”

WehearabouttheneedtohavearelationshipwithJesus.Withanyrelationship,thereneedstobetrustandvulnerability.Thisiswhereweneed to .ly to theScriptures: they tellus justwho it iswho isinvitingus.HeisourGodwhobecamemanoutofloveforus.Heisateacherwhowillnotwithholdthetruthfromus.Heissteadfastinproclaiming that the truth of the Gospel will set us free. He is aSaviorwhodesires to freeus fromour sin.He is theKingwho ismeekandhumbleofheart.

MeeknessandHumility!Twothingsthatthespiritoftheworldwillsaydonotbelonginaking.TheheartoftheSaviorisgentle.Hehasloweredhimself tobeachildwhowillgrowtogivehis life forus.Thisheartistrustworthy.Wecanbehonestwithhim.Wecangotoprayerwithoutthinkingweneedtomakeourselvesperfect.Why?Heisgentleandhumbleofheart.

Prayer: Lord JesusChrist, thankyou for coming tous.Thankyouforinvitingustotrustyou.Helpustobeopenwithyouaboutour

joysandstruggles,ourvictoriesandfailures.Helpustoimitateyoubybeingmeekandhumbleofheart.

Put intoPractice:Takea littleextra time inprayersimply tellingtheLordwhat is inyourheart.Askhimfor thegraceto trusthimmore.

Thursday,December10,2015+2ndWeekofAdvent

� Isa41:13-20+Ps145:1+9,10-11,12-13ab+Matt11:11-15

“FromthedaysofJohntheBaptistuntilnow,theKingdomofheavensuffersviolence,andtheviolentaretakingitbyforce.”–Matt11:12

ThePerseveranceofSt.Joseph

As theChurchwalkswithMaryduringAdvent, joyfully looking tothe celebration of the birth of the Lord, we turn to Joseph as ahumbleexampleoffollowingJesus.Oftenoverlooked,Josephshinesforth as a light to each of us. Even in his time, “the kingdom ofheavensuffersviolence,”andheiscalledupontopersevereinthewill of God through great trials. Here one thinks of JosephprotectingMary from false accusations, or when, after the joy ofChristmas,Josephwilltakehisfamilyto.leetoEgyptbecauseofthemurderousKingHerod.Eveninthefaceofviolenceandinallsortsofsuffering,Josephpersevered.HeknewtheLord,andwasabletotrust that following him was always the best possible path. HeprotectedMaryandJoseph,andcontinuedinfollowingthewayofGod.ThisisthewonderfulblessingofbeinginarelationshipwiththeLord.WeneedtolooktoJoseph!Inthetemptationtogiveupinthefaceofsuffering,weneedSt.JosephtointercedeforusforthesamesteadfastloveforJesus,followinghiswilltopray,love,forgive,andlivevirtuouslives.

Prayer:Lord Jesus, giveme the strength St. Joseph had to followyourwillnomatterwhatdif.icultyortemptationIface.

PutItIntoPractice:JosephfollowedthewillofGodinthefaceofsuffering.TheLordwillsforustopraywellandreachoutinlovetoothers.Today,examineyourhearttoseeifyouhavemadeexcusesagainst prayer or reaching out in love. Ask St. Joseph for thecouragetodoGod’swillnomatterwhat.

Friday,December11,2015+2ndWeekofAdvent

� Isa48:17-19+Ps1:1-6+Matt11:16-19

“I,theLord,yourGod…leadyouonthewayyoushouldgo.”-Isa48:17

PleaseSayYes

Itseemsstrangethattoday’sreadingstellusto“delightinthelawoftheLord.”Moreoften,mostofuswouldprobably.indthelawofthe Lord to be prohibitive and daunting, something that restrictsourfreedomandourfun.AndyetthereadingsclearlytellusthatitisGod’slawthatleadsustofreedom.God’slawswerenevermeantto be a burden to us. Are they easy? Not usually, because beingsel.ishiseasier.Butaretheyworthit?Always.TheLorddoesn’tjustgiveusabunchofrulestoliveby.Heleadsusinthewayweshouldgo.Sowearen’tjustfollowingabunchofruleswhenweobeyGod.WefollowGodHimself,wholovesusandwantsourgreatestgood.Whenwesay “no” to sel.ishnessandsin,weareactually sayingabig “yes” to theLord.A “yes” thatgivesHimroomtowork inandthroughusandblessusabundantly.

Prayer:Lord,helpustotrustyouandseeyourcommandsasgood.Helpus to resist temptation, and therebywelcomeyourpresencedeeperintoourlives.Amen.

PutItIntoPractice:Ineachmomentoftemptationtoday,quicklyinvitetheLordinandaskforhishelprightinthemoment.

Saturday,December12,2015+2ndWeekofAdvent

� Zec2:14-17orRv11:19;12:1-6,10+Judith13:18+Luke1:26-38

“Singandrejoice,OdaughterZion!See,Iamcomingtodwellamongyou,saystheLORD.”–Zec2:14

LordMakeYourHomeinMe

Sometimes when we hear something over and over, we start toforget that it really, actually means something. So maybe it’spossible to miss it when we read today’s readings and see theprophet Zechariah telling the Israelites to rejoice. But we can’tafford tomiss this.Because the reason for rejoicing ishuge: I amcomingtodwellamongyou,saystheLord.That’sright.TheGodofthe whole universe, the one who created everything and holdseverythinginexistence,iscomingtobewithus.Andnotjustforavisit; he’s going todwellwith us. If the fact that the source of allgoodnessand loveandbeauty coming todwellwithyou,withus,doesn’t make you want to rejoice… well, nothing will. The Lordlovesussomuchthathemakeshisdwelling,hishome,amongus.Andnotjustamongus,butinus.Sothatnomatterwherewe.indourselves,wecanalways.indHim.

Prayer:Lord,giveusthegracetowelcomeyourpresenceintoourlivesandintoourhearts.Lord,makeyourhomeinme.Amen.

PutIt IntoPractice:Takethe timetokeepa listof theways thatGodisrevealingHimselftoyoutoday,showingyouhowHeiswithyouatalltimes.

Sunday,December13,2015+3rdWeekofAdvent

� Zep3:14-18a+Is12:2-3,4-6+Phil4:4-7,Luke3:10-18

“RejoiceintheLordalways.Ishallsayitagain:rejoice!”–Philippians4:4

Rejoice!

TheThirdSundayofAdvent iscalledGaudeteSunday. Gaudete isLatin for “rejoice!” Today, the penitential purple of the Adventseasonchangestoroseaswestopandre.lectonthesourceoftruejoy-Jesus.

In today’s second reading, Saint Paul reminds the Philippians torejoiceintheLordalwaysandshowkindnesstoeveryone.Thiscanbe adif.icult taskwith the sufferingwe sooften seeon thenewsand in our own lives. St. Paulwrote this letter from prison - heexperienced real suffering, yet remained joyful because he knewthattherewassomethinggreater.Wetooarecalledtorejoiceevenamidstsuffering. It is then thatweshouldbringourprayersandpetitions toGod,whosepeacewill surpassall!Werejoiceeven insadnessbecauseourhopeisinJesusChristwhohasconqueredsinanddeath.Weshouldwanttoshoutthisforalltohear!

There isonlyonemoreSundaybeforeChristmas- thecelebrationofourSavior’sbirth. Be joyful. Pauseand focusonexperiencingtruejoythatcomesfromprayerandgivingthankstoGod.

Prayer:Lord,preparemyheartforYou. Removethesadnessandhurt thatmakes itdif.icult forme to feelYour joy. Come intomyheart,LordJesus,andmakemejoyful.

PutItIntoPractice:Shareyourjoywithsomeoneelse.Surprisesomeonewithakindactorhelpsomeoneinneed.

Monday,December14,2015+3rdWeekofAdvent

� Num24:2-7,15-17a+Ps25:4-5ab,6+7bc,8-9+Matt21:23-27

SotheysaidtoJesusinreply,“Wedonotknow.”–Matt.21:27

ASafeBoxforJesus

The religious leaders in theGospel today are afraid to admit thatJohntheBaptisthasbeensentfromGodbecauseifheisfromGod,theywouldhavenoexcusefornotbelievinghismessage.Andtheywould have no excuse for not believing in the one to whom hepointed: Jesus. So when asked if John's mission was divine theyanswered, "Wedon'tknow."But it’snot justabout John, it’s reallyaboutJesus.Theyareafraidtoadmitthetruthabouthim.Sometimeswe avoid admitting the truth about Jesus becausewedon't want to have to change when our life is at odds with hismessageandpreaching.Sowesettleforcallinghimagoodteacher,agreatman,awonderfulexample,etc.AllofthesetitleskeepJesusin a very safe box that doesn't actually require us to change ourlivesbecauseofhim.Assoonasweadmitthatheisdivine,thenweareimplicitlyadmittingthathehasauthorityoverourlivesandcanactually tell us what is right and wrong. The one that we areexpecting this Christmas is a good teacher, a great man and awonderful example. But he is also God. Rather than fear hisauthorityoveryourlife,rememberwherehisbirthinBethlehemisheaded:tothecrosswherehewilldieforyou.Youneednotfeartheonewholovesyouandgiveshislifeforyouonthecross.

Prayer: “Butnow, this iswhat theLord says…Fearnot, for Ihaveredeemed you; I have summoned you by name; you aremine.”(Isaiah43:1)

Put It IntoPractice:Honestly talk to Jesus aboutwhat youmostfearneedstochangeifhehasmorecontroloveryourlife.

Tuesday,December15,2015+3rdWeekofAdvent

� Zep3:1-2,9-13+PS34:2-3,6-7,17-18,19AND23+Mt21:28-32

“Changeyourmindsandbelievehim.”–Matt21:32

NowIstheTimeforChangeWeoftenchangeourmindsduringourday.But,whodowerelyonforourdecisions?DowetrustourinstinctsorJesus’teachings?Intoday’sgospel,Jesusreferstoamanwithtwosonswhohadtroublemakinguptheirminds. Jesuswasn’tasconcernedwithobeyingordisobeyingrules.Jesus’intentionwastoteachthechiefpriestsandelders that theyshould listen tohim,andchange theirmindsandheartstofollowhim.

ConversionofourheartsandmindsiswhatisdesiredbyGod.Godknewthatevilhadenteredtheworld,sohesenthisson, Jesus, tosaveusfromoursins,sowecouldbeforgivenandremainclosetohim.OurGodisaGodofmercyandlove,buthedoesn’twantustoful.illhiswillwithemptypromises. Hewantsustochangeandtodohiswillthroughourwordsandactions.

Justobeyingtherules,doesn’tmakeusholy.ItisthechangesinourheartthatGodsees. ThereisnothingthatourFatherwantsmorethanforustoremainclosetohim. Weneednotworryaboutthepast,butwithhumbleheartsadmitourwrongchoices,asforGod’sforgiveness,andcontinuelivingourliveswithheartsthatrespondtohislove.

Prayer: Lord,helpmetotrustinyourmercifullove. Fillmewithyour grace so thatmywords and actionswill re.lect your love toothers.Amen.

Put It Into Practice: Receive God’s mercy and grace in theSacramentofReconciliation.

Wednesday,December16,2015+3rdWeekofAdvent

� Is45:6,18,21+Ps85:9-14+Luke7:18-23

“andsentthemtotheLordtoask.”–Luke7:19

Siri,Whereis…Canyou imaginenothavingSiri tohelpsettledisputesoranswerquestions? What does it look like when Siri doesn’t have theanswerandyouneedtorelyonsomethingelse?WhenlifepresentsuswiththeBIGquestions,towheredoweturn? GiveitatryandaskSiriifJesusisChrist? Youwillgetsomethinglike:“Iwouldaskyoutodirectspiritualquestionstosomeone,likeahuman”or“I’mreally not equipped to answer such questions.” Siri knows Siri’slimits. Siriissilicon,nothumanandthereforecannotknowChrist.ToknowChristisfarmorethanmemorizingthefactsofhislifeandteachings. ToknowChrist is toencounterhis loveandallowthatexperiencetoguideyoureverystepsothatyouwillyearntofollowis life and his teachings. Many of us believe in something orsomeone because of eyewitness. Unlike the disciples of John,wearenoteyewitnessestoChrist’smiracles. Orarewe? Dowenotwitness the beauty of a changed life in one who grows close inpersonalrelationshipwiththeLord?Doweseekthefreedomfromthe burden of sin found in reconciliation and act aswitness to achangedlifebecauseofthisfreedom?Ifwearecalledashumanstoanswerthequestion,“IsJesustheChrist?”wemustmovecloserinrelationshipwithhimsothatwemayencounterhislove,hispowerandhisgrace.

Prayer:LordJesus,whenmyeyesfail toseeyourwaysinmylife,pleaseletmyheartburninrecognitionofyourpresence.Teachmenewmeansandmethodstohearyou.

PutItIntoPractice:AstheLordpresentsachancetosharethestoryofJesuswithsomeone.Takecourageatthischanceandprayforotherstocometoknowhim.

Thursday,December17,2015+3rdWeekofAdvent

� Gen49:2,8-11+Ps72:1-2,12-13,18-19+Matt1:1-17

“JacobthefatherofJoseph,thehusbandofMary.OfherwasbornJesuswhoiscalledtheChrist.”–Matt1:16

GodBornintoaFamilyAt .irst glance, the listofnamesat thebeginningof theGospelofMatthewcanseemratherunimportant,andthatweshouldskipitandjumpintothestory.However,thislistofnamesisquiteastoryinitself!Jesus’familytreeisquitedysfunctional,anditisintothismessourSaviorcametobewithus.ThisistheLordwhoisinvitingyou to pray! He was born into a family, and knows our joys andsorrows. He is inviting you today towelcome him into the life ofyourfamilyinadeeperway.Familyprayerisworththeeffort,anditdoesn’tneedtobecomplicated.Onesimplewayisforeachpersonto thank theLordandask ablessing, thenall pray anOurFatherandHailMarytogetherattheend. Jesusisalsoinvitingyoutodaytoberealwithhimaboutyourfamily–youdon’tneedtohidethedysfunction.Heknowsthatfamilylifehasjoysandsorrows,timesof gratitude and times of temptation and frustration. Let yourprayersbearallofthis,andlethimintothemessiertimes.This ishowhecametous2,000yearsago: intothemess.This ishowhecomestousnow.

Prayer:LordJesus,makeyourpresenceknowninmyfamily.Helpustoloveyoutogether.Healthewoundsthatexist,andteachustoloveoneanother. PutItIntoPractice: Takeextratimetoprayforeachmemberofyourfamily,placingeachrelationshipbeforehimandtalkingtohimabouteachperson.

Friday,December18,2015+3rdWeekofAdvent

� Jer23:5-8+Ps71:3-4a,5-6ab,16-17+Matt1:18-25

“WhenJosephawoke,hedidastheangeloftheLordhadcommandedhimandtookhiswifeintohishome.”–Matt1:24

ActionsSpeakLouderthanWordsIadmit IhadnotmeditatedonSt. Josephuntil thewritingof thisre.lection. In reading this Gospel account of Joseph’s dilemma ofMary,hisbetrothedbeingwithchild,Iwassurprisedtorealizethatheneverspeaksaword.ThemanchosentobetheearthlyfatherofJesusisnotonlysilentinScripturebutheismentionedonlyafewtimesintheGospels.Yethestandsassuchadynamic.igure.Why?

Itmustbethatactionsspeaklouderthanwords.Josephdidastheangel of the Lord commanded and took Mary into his home; hecaredforherandprotectedher.WhenthechildwasbornhenamedhimJesusinobediencetoGod’smessenger.

Josephexempli.iesfaithandtrust inGod.I’msurehedidnotfullyunderstand, yet he was obedient to God’s Will. The result? Hiscooperation with God brought each of us the opportunity ofsalvation through JesusChrist.WhatanawesomegiftwecangivetheworldwhenweemulateJoseph’sfaithinGod.

Prayer: Lord,we thank you for the example of St. Joseph. Pleasehelpusgrow inourFaithand trust inYou.May thewords, “Faithseekingunderstanding”bewrittenonourhearts.

PutItIntoPractice:TakesometimetodaytoaskGodtheFathertostrengthenyourFaith.Lightyour rose coloredAdventCandleandrejoiceinGod’slove.

Saturday,December19,2015+3rdWeekofAdvent

� Judg13:2-7,24-25a+Ps24:1-2,3-4ab,5-6+Luke1:1-25

“Iamanoldman,andmywifeisadvancedinyears.”–Luke1:18

Life,WhereThereWasnoLife

God’splanforoursalvationplayedoutoverthecourseofcenturiesasaseriesofstepsthat,littlebylittle,keptmovingthingsalong.Inthat wonderful string of events that led to the coming of Jesus,many involved themiracle of God bringing lifewhere, up to thatpoint, there had been no life. We have two such events in ourreadingstodaywiththeannouncementofthebirthsofSamsonandJohntheBaptist,bothbornofparentswhowereconsideredbarren.Coming centuries apart, they are part of the Father’s plan toprepare for thecomingofhisownSon.Andtheworkofsalvationthat Jesuswill accomplish is the greatest act of God bringing lifewheretherewasno life:“ButGod,beingrich inmercy,becauseofHisgreatlovewithwhichHelovedus,evenwhenweweredeadinourtransgressions,madeusalivetogetherwithChrist.”(Ephesians2:4-5)

God is life.Andhewants to sharehis lifewithus. Eachof ushasareas of our lives that we experience as barren – relationships,situationsathomeoratwork,prayer,etc.ThisAdventwepraythatthose barren areas of our lives might be drawn into God’swonderfulworkofbringing lifewhere,up to thispoint, therehadbeennolife.

Prayer:“Youwillnotabandonmetotherealmofthedead,norwillyouletyourfaithfuloneseedecay.”Psalm16:10

PutItIntoPractice:LiketheparentsofSamsonandJohn,our.irstactistobelievethatGodcanbringlife.Asyougothroughtheday,offerthisprayer:“Lord,Ibelievethatyoucanbringlife.”

Sunday,December20,2015+4thWeekofAdvent

� Mi5:1-4+Ps80:2-3,15-16,18-19+Heb10:5-10,Luke1:39-45

“Foratthemomentthesoundofyourgreetingreachedmyears,theinfantinmywombleapedforjoy.”–Luke1:44

RecognizingandRespondingtoChristEnteringintothepresenceofJesuscanoftenbeanordinaryevent.Weenterachurch,takeourseats,andbegintoprayoftentimesinaroutine-likemanner. Butwhenwe take the time torecognize thepresenceoftheLordandinviteHimtotrulymakehimselfknowntous,theroutine-likemomentcanbetransformed. Itdoesn’tusuallyhappen in huge and grand ways with thunder and lightning, butwhenwe take the time to recognize Him, normal events becomedifferent. ThepeaceandsilencefoundintheadorationchapelonFridays,timefriendssharewitheachother,conversationswehavewith co-workers can be routine or normal events, or they can betransformedifandwhenweinviteChristintothem.

John theBaptist is often called the seconddisciplebecauseofhisresponse (in hismother’swomb!) to the presence of JesuswhenMaryvisitsElizabeth. HowcanwemodelourownbehaviorafterJohn’s in responding to Christ’s presence in our day-to-dayactivitiesandinteractions?

Prayer:Lord, I inviteyou into thismoment.Transform itbyyourpresence.Letitbringyouglory.

Put It Into Practice: Take a moment today where you pray theaboveprayerandinviteChristtotransformit.Re.lectonhowitwasdifferentbecauseofyourownrecognitionofHispresence.

Monday,December21,2015+4thWeekofAdvent

� SongofSongs2:8-14orZeph3:14-18a+Ps33:2-3,11-12,20-21+

Luke1:39-45

“WhenElizabethheardMary’sgreeting,theinfantleapedinherwomb…”–Luke1:41

Mary’sEmbraceMany years agomy daughter handedme a book entitled “Mary’sPeacePlanFromHeaven.”ItisthestoryofFatimaandtheBlessedMother’s request for everyone to say the Rosary every day forworldpeace.AsIreadthestoryIfeltMaryembracemyheartandinvitemepersonallytotakepartinherplan.MyresponsetoMary’sinvitation has brought Jesus intomy daily life in a profound andjoyfulwaybyprayingtheRosary.

Intoday’sGospelwe.indMary,ayoungvirgin,carryingJesusinherwomb as she travels to visit her elderly cousin Elizabeth, who isalsowithchild.Elizabethhaskeptherselfhidden fromsociety forthe last .ivemonths.AsMary andElizabeth embrace, the child inElizabeth’s womb leaps for joy. This touching scene is known as“TheVisitation”notonlyinScripturebutalsoasthesecondJoyfulMysteryofthetheRosary.

Just as Mary brought Jesus to Elizabeth and ended Elizabeth’sseclusion,Maryembracedmeinmyspiritual isolationandinvitedme intoadeeperrelationshipwithherSonthroughthemysteriesoftheRosary.

Prayer:Lord,Jesus,wethankyouforthegiftofMary,YourMotherand ours. Maywe follow her example of charity by bringing YouintoourdailylivesandsharingYourlovewithothers.

PutItIntoPractice:PraytheRosaryforpeaceandmeditateonthelifeofJesusasthesourceofthatpeace.

Tuesday,December22,2015+4thWeekofAdvent

� 1Sm1:24-28+1Sm2:1,4-5,6-8+Luke1:46-56

“TheAlmightyhasdonegreatthingsforme.”-Luke1:49

Magni[icat

Inthisgospelpassage,Maryhasgonetothehillcountrytohelphercousin,Elizabeth,whoispregnantwithJohntheBaptist. Elizabethacknowledges Mary’s blessedness as the mother of Jesus, theMessiah. Mary responds to Elizabeth with a song of praise,thanksgivingandgratefuljoyknownastheMagni.icat.

TheMagni.icatisabeautifulprayerinwhichMaryproclaimsGod’sgreatness,wonderandmercy. Maryglori.iedGodinsongforwhathewasgoing todo for theworld throughher. Mary, awomanofdeep faith, was conscious that she had a mission to ful.ill forhumanity.ShetrustedinGod’sword.

TheChurchthroughouttheworldrecitesthisprayerofpraiseeachnightintheLiturgyoftheHours. Itcallsthechurch,thepeopleofGod, to seeGod’s greatness andbelieve and trust inhisword. Itsummons us to be people of hope for a world so desperately inneedofGodtobebirthedintohumanitytoday.

Prayer:With Mary, my soul sings your praises this day and myspiritrejoicesinyou,OLord.

PutItIntoPractice:Inlightingthefouradventcandles,takeastepback from the busyness of preparing for Christmas and with agratefulheartrecognizewhattheAlmightyhasdoneforus.

Wednesday,December23,2015+4thWeekofAdvent

� Mal3:1-4,23-24+Ps25:4-5,8-9,10,14+Luke1:57-66

“Heaskedforatabletandwrote,‘Johnishisname’andallwereamazed.”–Luke1:63

PowerfulStatementsComeinSimpleSentences

A friend ofmine travels the country teachingBible Studies. Oneday in discussion with a person of Jewish faith the man shared,“Youarethe.irstChristianwhohasn’ttoldmethatIneedtoacceptJesusChristasmyLordandSavior. Whydidn’tyoutrytoconvertme?’ My friend respondedwith, “Because that’snotmy job. I’mcalled to share the truthof JesusChrist. And I knowwithallmyheart thatGod senthis onlybegotten Son to earth,whohumbledhimselftobecomeoneofus,sufferedwithus,diedamongus,androsefromthedeadsothatIcouldgotoheavenandyoucouldgotoheaven.MyjobistosharethemessageofJesusChristwithyouandprayforyoutocometoknowJesus.Itisnotmyjobtoconvertyou.It’sthejoboftheHolySpirittoconverttheheartandifhefailshecan take itupwith the ‘BigGuy’upstairs.”Wow, I thought, that iswhatitmeanswhenwesay,“sharetheGoodNews.” Howeasyandhowsimple! Icandothis!Andtotopitoffthewholepressureofconversionisnotminetohold.AllIneedtodoiscallupontheHolySpirit, share my heart for Jesus and speak of Him. Just asZechariah’s participation was with a simple phrase, “John is hisname,”ourcalltoevangelizedoesnotneedtobecomplicated.

Prayer:LordJesus,helpmetoentrustthesinsofmypasttoyourmercy in the SacramentofReconciliation.Giveme the courage tospeakyourholynamesoallwillknowtheGoodNewsofyourloveandsavinggraceforus.

PutItIntoPractice:HowcanyouliveyourlifedifferentlysothatothersmaycometoknowofHisChristmasgifttous-eternallifeintheKingdomofHeaven?

Thursday,December24,2015+4thWeekofAdvent

� 2Sam7:1-5,8b-12,14a,16+Ps89:2-3,4-5,27+29+Luke1:67-79

“BlessedbetheLord,theGodofIsrael;forhehascometohispeopleandsetthemfree.”-Luke1:67

KnowingIsNotNecessarilyBelievingIntoday’sgospel,we.indZechariah,newfathertoJohntheBaptist,.illed with the Holy Spirit and proclaiming praise to the Lord.Interestinglyenough,heisnotpraisingtheLordbecauseElizabeth,whowasbarren,was.inallyabletohavethesonhealwayswanted,though surely he was enormously grateful for that. No, he ispraising the Lord because he has come to realize anew that theLordisrealandpowerful,andis.inallyful.illinghispromiseforasavior. God is faithful and God is here, and Zechariah wantseveryone toknowabout it! God’sprophets spokemore thanpeptalksandhispromiseswereoh-so-real.Hehasbeenpreparingallofhumanityforthismoment,thistimewhenHeHimselfwillcometosetusfree.Zechariahwasapriest,andsohadknownallofthisformostofhislife.Butitwasn’tuntilheopenedhishearttotheLordmore fully that he was able to go from knowing the truth, tobelieving the truth. And that changes everything. Blessed be theLordindeed.

Prayer: Lord, we have heard your promises and learned yourwords.Nowgiveus thegrace to trulybelieve it inourheartsandproclaimitwithourlives.Amen.

PutItIntoPractice:Takesometimeduringthebusynessoftodayto invite theLorddeeper intoyourheart.Ask Jesus tobeborn inyour life, that you might be .illed with the truth of his love thisChristmas.

Friday,December25,2015+ChristmasDay

� Is9:1-6+Ps96:1-3,11-13+Ti2:11-14,Luke2:1-14

“GlorytoGodinthehighestandonearthpeacetothoseonwhomhisfavorrests”–Luke2:14

TheWeddingofHumanityandDivinity MerryChristmas!BemerrytodayfortheSavioroftheworldhasbeenborn tous - “Emmanuel,”God iswithus. JesusChrist isbornandsalvationhascomeforthepeopleofGod,for“allonwhomhisfavorrests”.TheearlyChurchcelebratedtheNativityoftheLordbyrecognizingthisgreat feastasagreatwedding.ChurchFathersspokeoftheNativityasthegreatweddingofhumanityanddivinity.Isthatsomethingyoueverthoughtof?IknowformeitwasanewwayofthinkingaboutChristmas,butitwasalsoagreatscopewithwhich I could look at this feast. Not only do we celebrate theculmination of this season of Advent, all of our waiting, fasting,prayer, and preparation, but we also celebrate the beauty of theIncarnation!How great a lovewe experience in this single event!Today,aswecelebratetheNativity,let’snotjustfocusonpresents,prettylightsandtrees,orthetimewespendwithourfamilies,butlet’s contemplate the immensity of the Incarnation and what itmeansforus-GodbecomesmansothatmancanbecomemorelikeGod-andlet’scelebratethegreatweddingfeastofthedivinetothehuman!

Prayer: Lord, Jesus Christ, we praise and thank you for yourhumilityandmeekness.ThankyoufortheIncarnation,formakingyourselfsosmallandinnocentsothatyoucouldbecomeexpiationfor our sins. Help us to come to know better the beauty of yourIncarnation!Put It IntoPractice: Enjoyyourdaywith family!Whengivingorreceivingpresents,makesureyoudon’tjustthankthegiver,butbesuretothanktheLordforhismanygiftsaswell!