From the Pastor’s Desk
The First Sunday in Advent
“Beware that your hearts do not become drowsy from carousing and drunkenness and the anxieties of daily life, and that day catch you by surprise like a trap.”
-Isaiah 29:13, as cited in Mark 7:6
Dec 1, 2024
Brothers and Sisters,
“Squirrel!” My mind often resembles a lovable dog that gets easily distracted by the sight of a squirrel. While I try to stay focused, insignificant disturbances can divert my attention from what truly matters. Those everyday “squirrels” like message notifications, Netflix suggestions, or even something as ordinary as a dryer buzzer dart across our field of vision and tempt us to look away. This Advent, God invites us to keep our gaze on Him, allowing him to steady our minds and keep us focused. Yet, the season seems full of distractions of the best kind—bright lights, decorations, festive music, and beloved Christmas programs streamed right to our living rooms all vie for our attention. Add to these the endless “to-do list”—shopping for and wrapping gifts, preparing meals, and baking favorite cookies and desserts. Even our small amount of “me” time becomes filled with parties, concerts, cleaning, or the feeling of frustration that all the things aren’t getting done.
When distractions arise this Advent season, take a moment to pause. Acknowledge God’s presence right where you are. Invite the Holy Spirit to center your thoughts and guide your attention, so you can truly see and hear the Lord who draws near and then head in the direction he is calling you to go.
With this in mind, I warmly encourage all parishioners to make an extra effort to visit the church at least once more beyond Sunday Mass during this season. To support this, we have added an additional daily Mass time on Wednesday evenings at 5:30 p.m. (December 4, 11, and 18). These moments provide a wonderful opportunity to come together in prayer or simply spend a few quiet moments in the church or Adoration Chapel, resting in God’s presence. For those with young children, even a brief visit of 5 or 10 minutes can be deeply meaningful and spiritually enriching.
Still, when we find ourselves feeling that life is simply too busy to make room for God, I encourage you to look to the example of Mother Teresa. When her fellow sisters were overwhelmed by their responsibilities and constrained by time, she responded by deepening their commitment to prayer and spending even more time in the presence of the Lord. Let us draw from this powerful lesson and, as we reflect on the words of the Prayer of Eucharistic Consecration, join me in saying: “Lord Jesus Christ, truly present in the Eucharist, I consecrate myself to You today without reservation.”
What reservations do you have? What really keeps you from making a full offering of yourself? God’s goodness is amazing. Bring to mind the ways that goodness has been evident in your life. How has God shown his plans for you – plans filled with his grace and blessings? God wants us to be prosperous – but to find this prosperity, we have to accept his guidance. Trust him. Invite the Lord to focus our minds on his plans for us.
This week, we are especially blessed to haveBishop Bruce Lewandowski will preside at our Festival of Praise this Friday, December 6, at 7:30 p.m. Bishop Bruce will share Pope Francis’ theme for the upcoming 2025 Jubilee Year: “Hope does not disappoint.” These words from St. Paul’s letter to the Romans speak to us today as powerfully as ever. Be pilgrims of hope. Come before the Lord, knowing that he is good and will continue to pour out his love. Join us as we approach the throne of grace—Jesus’ abiding presence in the Eucharist—and ask him to strengthen our hope!