Feast of the Holy Family

Today we celebrate the Feast of the Holy Family. As I reflect on this day, I am drawn to recall the creche that my mother painted in ceramics. It was a large display that included Mary, Joseph, Jesus, shepherds, and many animals. This creche has been in my family for some 70 years. Currently, it is in the possession of my brother. Each of the figures was painstakingly painted with love and care. My job as a child was to put the baby Jesus into His bed. It was such an honor to have this job.

Apparently, my mother made several of these for various family members. As time has passed, they have been passed down within the family. My grandfather’s set will be given to his great granddaughter, my oldest niece, to continue the tradition of displaying this precious scene.

The life of the holy family was not an easy one as they faced many obstacles. They faced scandal, a census journey, and rejection. They embraced the journey with courage, trust, and faith.

In many ways their experience mirrors the struggles of many today. Migrants are fleeing their homelands in search of safety. They are experiencing separation, persecution, and difficult situations. These migrants are the holy families today. Their experience is similar to that of Mary, Joseph and Jesus. May we reach out and help them as we can.

We know that God is with them and God is with us. May we always recognize God’s presence in our lives, in the good times and the difficult ones. May we trust in God’s love and plan for us.

Fourth Sunday of Advent

As we prepare for Christmas, Advent invites us to slow down, to give thanks, and to prepare our hearts for the coming of Jesus. It is also a time to hold in prayer those in our world and in our families who may be facing challenges during this season.

During this final week of Advent, we rejoice in the endless love that God has for us, which is made apparent in the birth of his Son. We reflect on the good news of God's love brought to us from the angel Gabriel.

The Gospel for this Sunday speaks of Mary and her husband, Joseph, and their obedience to God. This obedience leads to bringing forth Jesus, the Savior of the World. The conflicts and challenges both Mary and Joseph faced did not deter them from trusting in God’s mission for them. The birth of Jesus signifies a new beginning for all of us within God’s beautiful plan for our lives and salvation. It is a time of renewed hope, peace, love, and new beginnings.

May these days before the celebration of Christmas be filled with peace, hope, joy, and love for all!

Third Sunday of Advent

The Third Sunday of Advent is traditionally called Gaudete Sunday. Gaudete is the Latin word meaning “rejoice.” This Sunday is so named because “Rejoice” is the first word in the entrance antiphon for today's Mass. We light a pink/rose candle instead of a purple candle today as a joyful reminder that our salvation is near. The readings focus on joy, hope, and the signs of God's coming. 

This week's Gospel Reading continues our Advent reflection on the person and message of John the Baptist. Last week we heard John speak about his relationship to the coming Messiah, Jesus. This week, we hear Jesus' message to John the Baptist, now in prison, about the signs of the kingdom found in Jesus' ministry and Jesus' assessment of John's role in the Kingdom of God.

Though the holiday season may tempt us to revel in the fleeting kinds of joy, the season of Advent calls us to work on the kind of joy that is longer lasting and much more meaningful and flows from gratuitous love. Let us live in the hope of this season amidst the darkness that surrounds us.

Second Sunday of Advent

 

Peace! As we enter the second week of Advent, our hearts turn toward the gift of peace. Peace is not only the absence of conflict. It is a way of living with patience, kindness, and a deep trust in God.

This week invites us to think about the environment and culture we create. In a season that can feel hurried, how do we bring a sense of calm to those around us? How do we speak to one another in a way that brings understanding rather than tension? Advent gives us a gentle reminder to slow down and look honestly at how our daily actions shape the spirit of our school.

This week we celebrate the Feast of the Immaculate Conception. Scripture gives us many stories that help us see how God works through moments of reconciliation and hope. When we pray and reflect with them, we help them see that they, too, can bring peace into their own lives and into the world. May the peace of Christ settle within us and shine through all we do. May peace fill our hearts, our homes, and our universe.