Leaving In Peace

Note:  I will be away till Tuesday and won't have internet access...No slices till Tuesday morning...Happy New Year!!!

Today we read about the presentation of Jesus in the Temple and the remarkable reception by Simeon, the old man who had been awaiting the coming of the Messiah, blessed him and prophesied to Mary about the impending swords of sorrow.
The blessing of Simeon is recited every evening at the end of Complin, the Church's Night Prayer...It's one we might all say and might be one with which to end 2017.
Lord, now let your servant go in peace;
your word has been fulfilled,/
my own eyes have seen the salvation /
which you prepared in the sight of every people,
a light to reveal you to the nations/
and the glory of your people Israel. (Lk 2:29-32)

Bro. Rene

The Beloved St. John

Today is the Feast of St. John, the Beloved Disciple, but the Gospel is about Mary Magdalene, another beloved and loving disciple and "the other disciple whom Jesus loved" (Jn 20:2), whom we assume is John.  Both see the empty tomb and come to believe.  It takes awhile to sink in and for them to realize that Jesus is alive, but their joy becomes full when they share this new with others, even though they are slow to believe and take some dramatic convincing.
We are now two days from Christmas and perhaps find our Christmas enthusiasm and joy waning or warning off, but we can regain it by putting ourselves in Mary's and John's shoes at the empty tomb and sharing this good news and our faith with our families and those with whom we work.  Just talking about Jesus in simple and familiar terms is enough...we don't have to preach an eleoquent sermon, but just let our faith surface and be a living part of our day.
Bro. Rene

Note:  I will not have access to the internet tomorrow morning, so there will be no slice of bread.  Will serve up anoher on Friday morning...

Facing Hatred With Forgiveness

In contrast to the joy and peace of Christmas, the jolting juxtaposing if Stephen's martyrdom the very next day is jolting, to say the least.  It is, however, a sobering reminder of the mission of Jesus, to teach us to love our enemies and to forgive those who persecute us.  Stephen's stoning and his final words do just that.  "He fell at their knees and cried out in a loud voice, 'Lord do not hold this sin against them.'" (Acts 7:60).
In our own day, when such brutality against Christians is rampant, or when subtle or not so subtle encroachments of our secular culture belittle, mock or attack our beliefs, do we react with anger or forgiveness?  Or, how patient are we within our families when our attempts to speak and live the Truth are challenged?  St. Stephen teaches us that from the beginning, living as Christ taught is not easy, even dangerous.  This lesson is part of the Christmas package, and it's not something that can be exchanged for another more to our liking as we might do with an unwelcome gift.
Bro. Rene 

Good News Of Great Joy

Our short Advent is over and the Day for which we have been preparing has come.  Think back to that First Sunday of Advent...plans, attempts to "make this a good Advent" distractions from routine duties and always those unexpected demands, last minute cooking, decorating, and, of course, shopping...Is this what Advent is about? 
Mary and Joseph journeyed by donkey to Bethlehem...no reservations awaiting them, and worse, "no room at the Inn"...And Mary about to deliver.  Could it have been a worse preparation for the birth of the Son of God?  And so HE entered our world of unpredictables and unfulfilled plans to assure us that he understands and is with us at every step of the way.
So with assurance let us listen again to the greetings of the Angel to the shepherds.  DO NOT BE AFRAID; FOR BEHOLD I PROCLAIM TO YOU GOOD NEWS OF GREAT JOY THAT WILL BE FOR ALL THE PEOPLE.  FOR TODAY IN THE CITY OF DAVID A SAVIOR HAS BEEN BORN FOR YOU WHO IS CHRIST THE LORD. (Lk 2: 10: 11)
This is what today is about...the rest is all secondary.  Let our joy stem from the presence of Jesus among us forever.
Bro. Rene

Yes To The Unkown

This fourth Sunday of Advent and Christmas Eve finds us centered on Mary's "Fiat" (Yes). as we listen to the familiar tale of the Annunciation.  Reflecting on Mary's answer to Gabriel, "Behold the handmaid of the Lord, be it done to me according to your word," (Lk 1:38), we see Mary making a tremendous leap of faith...Gabriel leaves her when he hears her acceptance of his brief description of what is being asked:  to be the Mother of the Savior, the Mother of God, by the mysterious action of the Holy Spirit.  He gives her no manual or "how to do it book".  No she is left with her faith, her trust, and seems more concerned about her elderly cousin, Elizabeth and her unexpected pregnancy, leaving as she does with haste to go and help her.
Mary's YES is a continual example, a continual thorn in our side...to accept whatever God is asking of us, even when we don't have all the details laid out for us, even when so much is unknown. It's not the way most of us act...we plan, we bury ourselves with details and schedules...it's against our grain, it's countercultural, but it works...Where would we be if Mary had hesitated, deliberated, or brought it to committee?  The beautiful Christmas song repeats, "Mary did you know?  No, she didn't but she still said YES!
Bro. Rene   

A Time For Rejoicing

Gift exchanging will soon begin, and with it, smiles, surprises, thank you's hugs, kisses...a glad time, a time for rejoicing.
Today's Gospel passage  (Lk 1: 57-66) relates the birth and naming of John the Baptist.  What joy that this barren woman, Elizabeth, brings forth a healthy baby boy! His father rejoices and surprises the family by breaking custom and naming him John, the name proposed by the angel and with this, he begins to speak:  Further rejoicing.  And soon we'll be welcoming the Christ Child...and be singing our Glorias with the angels.  Yes, a time for rejoicing...  These words of the Psalmist are appropriate today:
Come to me, Lord, with your help
that I may see the joy of your chosen ones'and may rejoice in the gladness of your nation
and share the glory of your people.
Despite our last minute hustle with Christmas preparations, let us remember that the joy in our hearts is a gift and is much more important than our tasks...They need to be done, but let them be done with joy..
Bro. Rene
 

"The Greatmess of the Lord"

In Ten verses, Mary gives us the appropriate words as we grope for them to express our response to the birth of her Son.(Lk 1: 46-56)  We might find a Christmas card here and there that puts our thoughts into words, but Mary's do it best:  they are focused on the greatness of God, which, when we think about it, is greater than this whole universe, that, according to the most powerful telescope, has no end:  vast and limitless....truly a material extension, expression of its Creator, this Creator who humbles himself and shrinks himself into the tiny body of an infant!  Mary sees herself as simply the instrument for this miracle which confounds our understanding, and she praises the blessings that come from it: mercy to every generation,  strength that dethrones the proud  and mighty, and compassion that  lifts the poor and lowly and fills the hungry with good things..  Let this be our prayer today and as we kneel before the crib on Christmas Eve and during the Christmas season.
Bro. Rene

O Radiant Dawn

The "O Antiphon", O Radiant Dawn, falls appropriately on the Winter Solstice in the Northern Hemisphere...where, although the mornings are still very dark, and daylight, very short, the HOPE of the return of the sun and more daylight, makes the Radiant Dawn already visible in our imaginations.  In our minds we become the "lover" of the Song of Songs who leaps over the mountains and bounds over the hills, like a young stag or a gazelle (cf. Song 2: 8-9).  New energy, new joy fills us.  Or we become Mary, "setting out in haste" to visit Elizabeth so that both mothers-to-be can share their joy and be of service to one another.  If that is the joy, the energy, that comes with sunlight or motherhood, what level of joy should fill our hearts at the birth of the Son of God as one of us?   That is the energy, the force,  that propels us to spend the weeks of Advent in preparation, that spurs us to shop for gifts, that brings families together to worship the "Babe" and celebrate with a scrumptious meal.  As Mary responded to Elizabeth's greeting with praise of God, may we sing our own Magnificat as we leap toward the great day four days from now. "My soul proclaims the greatness of the Lord and my spirit rejoices in God, my Savior."  (Lk 1: 46)
Bro. Rene

Searching for a Sign

In today's reading from the Prophet Isaiah, we hear him tell the young king Ahaz to ask for a sign from God, "as deep as the netherworld, or high as the sky." (Is 7:10).  Evidently God had set no limits to the sign, but Ahaz refused, not wanting to tempt his God.  The sign was given: the young maiden (presumably his wife) would conceive and bear a son whose name would be Emmanuel. (Is 7: 14)
In the light of Gabriel's invitation and explanation to Mary, this prophecy was truly fulfilled in her miraculous conception of a child, a boy, to be named Jesus (Yahweh saves). 
How appropriate it is so close to Christmas itself to look back and see again how this plan came to completion.  Again we see the wisdom and care of God, who is with us and for us, and who reminds us to trust and not to be afraid.  Luke tells us that Mary was greatly troubled by Gabriel's message, rightly so, but Gabriel, sensing her concern told her, "Do not be afraid." (Lk 1:30)
At this point in Advent, we too have many concerns, and questions about being ready for Christmas, both spiritually and materially, for Advent has been shorter that usual, and our lives, busier.  We need not search  for a sign:  it has already been given.  Let us be at peace as we proceed in these final days; let us fear not, calm our anxieties and repeat "All Shall Be Well."
Bro. Rene

Following God's Plan

Today's Gospel brings us another story of God's intervention, this time to the "advanced in years" Zechariah, husband of Elizabeth, kinswoman of Mary, betrothed and later, wife of Joseph. Zechariah and Elizabeth were "righteous in the eyes of God" (Lk 1: 6), but having no children to this point, were most likely resigned to remaining a childless couple.  Not in God's plan, however.  As with Mary, an angel appears and announces that a boy will be born to them who will be great in the sight of the Lord, filled with the Holy Spirit, and will turn many to God. (cf. Lk 1: 14-16).  The news was so startling, that Zechariah hesitated in doubt, and was struck dumb until the child was born and indeed, as the angel had announced, named John.
We might think that extraordinary interventions such as this, no longer happen, but how often do "angels" appear to us at moments of sorrow, frustration, confusion, or even despair to lift us to safety?  And, we can't forget that our guardian angels are very real, and although never acknowledged or thanked enough, they still guard and protect us. Mine deserves a constant "shout out" for the countless times he has protected me for a serious auto accident, just by delaying a move by a second, a second that has saved my life!
We can pray and we do pray for specific needs or wants, but perhaps the best prayer is to ask God to let his plan come to pass, and trust that it will be for the best.
Bro. Rene 

Joseph, Husband of Mary

As we approach the Nativity of Jesus next Monday, we focus on Joseph, who accepted his role as husband of Mary despite her "mysterious" pregnancy. A bold move, a generous and faith-filled move. Matthew calls him a "righteous man" (Mt 1: 19), but we see him also as a man of quiet strength, deep faith and trust, reassured by the message of an angel and, like his spouse, responding with a yes shown by his actions.  We do not hear a word from him, yet he obeys and does what is asked of him, even to giving the name, Jesus (Yahweh saves) to the boy as directed by the angel.
He serves as a model for us who fret and worry over much less monumental assignments or requests that stretch us beyond what we deem our limits. Would that our relationship with God were as strong; what further good could we accomplish with such obedience, trust and faith?    Saint Joseph, give us your strength, your quiet willingness to accept and DO "the impossible."
Bro, Rene

Rose Sunday: Rejoice Always

In a full four-week Advent, this would be the halfway point, and in anticipation of Christmas, the Church slides away from Advent purple to Rose...almost white, but not quite!  St. Paul urges us to "rejoice always"as well as "to pray always and give thank in all circumstances"... (1 Thess 5:16) . A tall order.  But again, in anticipation of the birth of Jesus, we can't hold back...And, anyway, this is a wonderful approach to life for all seasons...Seeing the world through "rose colored glasses" is not as bad as it's taken to be by some.   Yes, we live an an imperfect world, but doom and gloom are not way to make it any better. 
In the joyful spirit of this day, we might take heed of this little gimmick:  The hymn, O Come, O come Emmanuel has been sung off and on for two weeks since Advent began, but today with the introduction of the first "O Antiphon", O Come thou WISDOM from on high, we might find wisdom and reason for rejoicing if we substitute OUR name for Israel in the refrain:  Emmanuel, Emmanuel, shall come to thee O...(your name)...  Very moving...even to tears of joy as we recognize our unworthiness that is not too unworthy for Jesus to come to us.  Truly a cause for rejoicing today and always.
Bro. Rene

Turning Back to the Father

In today's Gospel passage, Jesus tells his disciples indirectly that Eljah has returned, that John the Baptist ws the new Elijah. (cf. Mt 17: 9a, 10-13). This puts John on a high level of respect and obligation.  John knew his mission and worked tirelessly to turn hearts back to the Father, to the point where he made enemies "on high" and eventually lost his life.
The first two weeks of Advent end today; one more week to go.  Have we been applying the oil of prayer to our squeaky or rusted joints enough to enable our hearts to start a turn, even if it be a slow, turn to the Father?  Is our prayer time still filled with planning, schedules, calendars, preoccupations with things we want to do, have to do? Are we working at our mission as tirelessly as John? The ideal is to use our prayer time to connect with our God, even if it be without words...to quiet that over-stimulated brain and ler out hearts hear and find rest in God.  We need to put the brakes on and sweep out the clutter to appreciate the great gift of Jesus...God made human, God with us, Emmanuel.
Bro Rene

Let's Not Be Fickle

Jesus refers to "this generation" as children sitting in the market place, never satisfied, always wanting something else or more.  Even he couldn't satisfy them, accused of being a drunkard or glutton because he socialized normally with others. (Mt 11: 16-19).  Do we find ourselves making the same complaints?  Too hot, too cold, too busy, not busy enough???
Centuries ago, Isaiah said it clearly and simply, and his words bear repetition and reflection:
"I, the Lord your God,
teach you what is for your good
and lead you on the way you should go.
If you would hearken to my commandments,
your prosperity would be like a river,
and your vindication like the waves of the sea.
Your descendants would be like the sand,
and those born of your stock like the grains
Their name never cut off
of blotted out from my presence."   (Is 48: 17-19)
May we follow the Ways laid out for us each day, and not be looking from side to side for something "better."  God knows what is best for us.
Bro. Rene

Desert Into Marshland

I will turn the desert into a marshland,/ and the dry ground into springs of water. (Is 41:18).  These are consoling words that balance the sobering words of Jesus in today's Gospel that "the Kingdom of Heaven suffers violence, and the violent are taking it by force." (Mt 11: 12).  Jesus saw violence in his own life: his passion and death, and Christians have suffered violence through persecution even till  today, but as Jesus rose from the dead, the prophecy of Isaiah still stands, that the "desert" of genocide and terrorism in which we live will someday be turned around into verdant and productive land.  Isaiah is the prophet of promise and hope; his message is still relevant today and needs to be reiterated to those of us who might be tempted to cynicism or skepticism.  Advent is the time to renew that hope, to listen to the voices of the past and look toward the promise of the Second Coming of Jesus, guaranteed by the first coming at Bethlehem.. As Jesus said, ""Whoever has ears ought hear." (Mt 11:1 5).
Bro. Rene

Come To Me

Come to me, all you who labor and are burdened, and I will give you rest.  Take my yoke upon you and learn f rom me, for I am meek and mumble of heart; and you will find rest for yourselves.  For my yoke is easy, and my burden light. (Mt 11:28-30)
In Sweden, December 13th is the longest night as the sun will rise and set a bit earlier from the 14th on.  It is also called Lucia Night, (Lucia meaning LIGHT) and coincides with the Memorial of St. Lucy (Santa Lucia).  A young girl wearing a crown of candles and wearing a white robe makes her appearance to dispel the darkness, and special dishes and sweets are served.  Truly a celebration of LIGHT.
Jesus offers himself as one who is willing to take  upon himself our burdens, to lighten our load, to fill us with the light of hope and love.  He invites us during Advent to take advantage of the Sacrament of Reconciliation as well as to seek quiet moments of communion with him so that we may unload what's bothering us on him, and find that rest, that peace that only he can offer.  Take time to reflect on, to chew on, to digest the verses above, and welcome the invitation of the Light of the World to come to him.
Bro. Rene

Our Mother

Note:  Again, I missed yesterday's deadline...apologies...today we are on schedule and a double "slice" awaits you.

We Marists, picking up on a favorite reference of St. Marcellin, invoke the Blessed Virgin Mary, as "our Good Mother."  In so doing we are echoing the words of Mary herself spoken to Juan Diego during her apparitions on Tepeyac, a hill outside of the old Mexico City,  in December, 1531:  I am your merciful Mother, the Mother of all the inhabitants on this land and all the ret who love me, invoke and confide in me.  I truly will listen to their cries and their sadness in order to remedy all their sorrows, their miseries, and their pains.
Mary has kept her word:  seven years after her appearance to Juan Diego, 8 million Aztec Indians converted to Catholicism, stopped their practice of human sacrifice, and their descendants have remained passionately devoted to La Morena ever since.  The image placed on Juan Diego's tilma continues to be venerated by millions, not only this day in Mexico, but all around the world.  She is patroness of the America's and of pregnant women, for she appeared as such, with a symbol of her great love for all on her garment just over her heart.  With bended knee, she appears to be dancing, a sign of her joy at being with her children.  She is warm and loving, a true mother, but with the sun behind her, she clearly indicates that her Son is the true object of our worship. Her subsequent apparitions at Lourdes, Fatima and Medjugorje demonstrate her persistent presence and care.  If devotion to her could convert a country and a short time, why are we not calling upon her to convert us at this critical period when society, civilization.  seems to be disintegrating?
Bro .Rene

Saving Faith

The cure of the paralytic, who was lowered by his friends through an opening they made in the roof of the crowded house, and the forgiveness of his sins were the fruit of their faith (cf. Lk 5: 20). His faith was so strong that it enabled his friends to find a way to come into contact with Jesus.  They too must have believed a cure was possible otherwise they wouldn't have gone through all that trouble. Believers can have a strong influence on others, particularly their family and friends, if they live it and express it. What can I do today to spread the faith?
Bro. Rene

A Call To Action

The words of the Prophet Isaiah hit us directly at the beginning of today's Gospel, and for those of us familiar with the popular musical, Godspel, we can still hear the haunting, Prepare ye the way of the Lord" ringing in our memories. John the Baptist came proclaiming "a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins." (Mk 1:4)  The one "mightier than he" was coming and John was preparing his way.
John calls to us as well, to prepare the way in our hearts for Jesus; he is coming toward us, no doubt about it, and we must be ready.  This short Gospel passage is full of "action words" which provide us food for our prayer today and the remaining weeks of Advent:  “Sending,” “prepare,” “make his paths straight,” “appeared,” “going out to him,” “confessing,” “proclaimed,” “coming after me” – that is a lot of movement! May we respond with energy and actions which will help us be ready,
Bro. Rene

A Missionary Church

(Note: yesterday's slice of bread will appear below.  Missed the dealine by less than a minute!  Not today...will post this early!!!  Apologies again.) 

Soon after he was elected the Chair of Peter, Pope Francis said that the Church was in dire need of "shepherds who smelled like sheep."  We might apply these words to ourselves.  If we are to be Christians, followers of Jesus, we can't just talk, we need to dig in and get our hands dirty.  Today's
gospel gives us a clear description of what Jesus expected of the Twelve (and us): "Cure the sick raise the dead, cleanse lepers, drive out demons. Without cost you have received, without cost you are to give." (Mt 10:6-8)  As St. Teresa of Avila put it, "Jesus has no hands now but ours." If HIS work is to continue in our day, it's up to US to carry it out   We may not literally raise people from the dead, or drive our demons, but we can lift spirits by a kind note, call, e-mail, text...We can be sources of hope by our optimism, our faith, our joy.  We can preach louder with our actions than our words.  We are a missionary Church;  our attitude cannot be "let Father Joe do it", but rather, I can and must do it, or as Nike says:  JUST DO IT!
Bro. Rene

Full Of Grace

The Gospel for today's Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary is the story of the Annunciation, with the familiar words:  "Hail full of Grace" (Lk 1 26), which Catholics around the world repeat millions of times a day. This Solemnity celebrates that fullness of grace, that from the earliest instant of her conception, Mary was without stain of original sin, a dogma proclaimed in 1854 by Pope Pius IX, but believed from the beginning of the Christian era. This fullness of grace was a gift in view of Mary's Motherhood of God, and is reflected in her FIAT, "Let it be done to me." (Lk 1:38).  As Christians and as Marists, we strive to imitate Mary's openness to the calls that God gives us daily.  May she help us become more like her.
Bro. Rene

A House Built on Rock

As children of all ages and countries who have the opportunity to spend a day at the beach love to build sand castles, learn that these magnificent edifices are susceptible to the crashing waves or the heavy feet of an "enemy", so we see that a spiritual house built on sand cannot stand.  A house built on rock is able to withstand wind, waves, and enemy attacks because of it's strong foundation.  A spirituality based on a firm commitment to God and his plan for us, a working in concert with him, allows us to withstand the blasts of the culture or the subtle forces that seek to undermine it from within and without.
Advent is the time to solidify our commitment to doing God's will and to purging ourselves of the obstacles that stand in the way.  May we continue to seek ways to eliminate the influence of the internet, films, and gossip that take up and waste so much of our time, and use the gained time to talk to God from the heart and build our house on the Rock.
Bro .Rene

Generous Sharing

(Note...looks like the posting time has changed again so that this slice will appear a day late.  Sorry.)

Appropriately, the Gospel story of  the multiplication of the loaves and fishes occurs today, the Memorial of St. Nicholas, so noted for his generous gift-giving that he has taken a place in the Christmas observances in several countries, as Father Christmas, Pere Noel and  notably in  our own, as Santa Claus.
 Jesus multiplied the loaves and fish to feed the great crowd who had been with him for three days with nothing to eat.  Jesus asked what food was available and learned they had seven loaves and a few fish, according to Matthew's account. (cf. Mt 15:29-37).  No where enough to feed everybody.  He took what they had, blessed it and watched the disciples distribute it.  All were satisfied, leaving seven baskets of left-over fragments.
St. Nicholas, according to tradition, inherited a substantial fortune, which he distributed to people in need even before he became bishop.  He is remembered for providing the dowries for three young women whose father was considering prostitution as a financial recourse due to their poverty, by tossing bags of gold coins through their window.  Even today, "gold" (chocolate filled) coins are distributed on this day.  St. Nicholas is the patron saint of Russia and Greece, and is one of the major saints in the Eastern Church. We might follow his generosity by sharing whatever we can ...spiritually and materially with those who have less during this Advent Season.
Bro .Rene

"Blessed Are The Eyes..."

Since childhood, most of us have no doubt been warned by our parents about taking care of our eyes:  "Don't read in the dark."  "Turn on the Light"  Our eyes are the precious windows to the beauty of the vast ocean or the "Big Sky (out West), or to the delicate snowflake or spring crocus, as well as to the people around  us.  When Jesus spoke the words, "Blessed are the eyes that see what you see" (Lk 10:23), he was referring to himself, his loving relationship with his Father, the forging of the Kingdom of God and the miracles he was performing.  Truly a blessed sight, one which we envy.  Yet, blessed are our eyes for they see these same things through faith.  With prayers answered, we see Jesus working among us, especially when hearts are changed or our own understanding and appreciation of Jesus is widened.  Advent is such a time for us to use our eyes well and see the miracles being worked among  us and in our own hearts. Lord, that we may see more clearly, remove the scales on our eyes, increase our faith.  Help us to see what you are revealing to us as we go through each day.
Bro. Rene

Building Trust

The words of the unnamed centurion in today's passage from Matthew have been encased in the Mass and continue to pose a challenge for us: "Lord, I am not worthy to have you enter under my roof; only say the word and my servant will be healed." (Mt 8: 8).  Jesus commends him for his faith and cures the servant.  The centurion's faith led him to utter trust in Jesus.  All he needed was a word, not a visit, and the servant would be healed.
Are we so trusting?  Would Jesus find such faith and trust in us?.  We say these words every time we receive Holy Communion, but are they ours? On this first Monday of Advent, reflecting on them might be a way of determining how deep our trust is, and how we might ask with the centurion for the healing, not of our employee,  or friend, or family member, but of ourselves, for our lack of trust.
Bro. Rene

Waiting

Advent is here, can Christmas be far behind? Well, this year Advent is only three full weeks, so yes, Christmas is not far behind, even closer than usual.  We are admonished to "be watchful, be alert" (Mk 13:33) and to wait for the time unknown when the Lord will come. (Mk 13: 36), for Advent waiting is two-fold:  for the birth of Jesus and for his Second Coming. One has historically taken place, the other is somewhere in the mystery of "when".  What does this mean in a culture where answers are found in minutes by the touch of a screen?  Where horns beep as soon as a traffic light changes, where impatience flares at a slow check-out line?  We are not good at waiting, yet this is the season of waiting, of watching.
We might have to work at forcing ourselves to wait, to put something else aside so that we can reflect on our lifestyle that overworks, overtires us and gives us little time to appreciate the "little signs" of his Presence that God gives us through others.  Or how our preoccupation with the events of the coming day block our personal prayer or our attentiveness during Mass.  We need to pray for the grace to slow down, to turn our daily "musts" over to God and be assured again and again, that what we finally accomplish each day is sufficient, and what God wanted, (which is never, it seems, what WE wanted!  In the end, we see that his way was best and our fretting was for nothing.)  The expectant mother cannot force her child to come when she wants, but must wait for the time when God in his wisdom and plan wants it.  Let this be our Advent stance and help us to take full advantage of and enjoy the waiting.
Bro. Rene

"Be Vigilant At All Times

Be vigilant, be alert, Jesus warns.  This morning the pre-sunrise sky was layer upon layer of lavender, rose, and pink, fast moving and changing before the eye:  the perfect Advent sky, one that would have been missed if a misbehaving internet connection had not forced a trip upstairs to the router.  So often we miss the signs, the warnings, the PRESENCE because we are more alert to other things: the beep that indicates a text or an e-mail, for example.  What a great Advent it would be if we were as alert to the lessons and rhythm of this beautiful season as we are to those pings on our i-phones! 
Yes, Jesus wants us to be alert, to be vigilant, to be watching, but also to be praying.  Watch and pray.  Wait and pray "that you may have the strength to escape the tribulations that are imminent and to stand before the Son of Man." (Lk 21:46)  That is the reason for this season, that is the gift of Advent.
Bro. Rene

Signs of Joy and Hope

We are approaching the season of Advent, which signals the eventual arrival of Jesus at Christmas. The Birth has already taken place, but symbolically and prophetically we celebrate with three weeks of preparation for it, with an eye toward the Second Coming. The Advent wreath, the color purple, the readings from Isaiah serve as Advent signs of the coming of Jesus as do the buds on the fig tree, signal the coming of summer. In our current culture where Christmas Carols and decorations already saturate our stores, radios and homes, it is hard to "fit in" and give this waiting time its proper place.  We have "jumped the gun", albeit too soon, and miss the point of adequate preparation by way of times of silence, prayer, a visit to a church or chapel, a quiet reading of Isaiah or some other devotional book which will slow us down and stir up our realization of what the coming of God as a human being really entails.  Again, taking so much for granted, moving too fast (as we do with everything) and losing the significance of this most important event,  how can we find joy and hope, hungering and thirsting, if we don't take time to delve into the Mystery?
Bro. Rene