tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1129333277189264024.post2411251245618912961..comments2024-01-31T06:40:32.854-08:00Comments on Companions on a Faith Journey: December 11, 2016 - The blind will be able to see.....Sister Annette Mariehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14994000378337080291noreply@blogger.comBlogger2125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1129333277189264024.post-42067373702130570442016-12-09T08:05:37.721-08:002016-12-09T08:05:37.721-08:00What an encouraging message! Isn't it delightf...What an encouraging message! Isn't it delightful when the Church urges us to rejoice?<br /><br />The following quotations are from an Advent homily delivered by Pope Francis:<br /><br />"Today is the third Sunday of Advent. It is called 'Gaudete Sunday' - that is, the Sunday of joy. Frequently in the liturgy (today) we hear an invitation to express joy, to be delighted. Why? Because the Lord is near. Christmas is near. The Christian message is called "gospel"; that is, 'happy tidings' - an announcement of joy."<br /><br />"The Church is not a sanctuary for unfortunate people. The Church is a residence of joy and those who are sad discover joy in her.<br />However, the joy of the Gospel is not just any joy. It is caused by our discovering ourselves welcomed and liked by God."<br /><br />"God constantly shows the greatness of his mercy. He offers us the strength to go ahead. He is constantly with us to help us go forward. He is a God who genuinely wants what is good for us. He loves us and so he is with us, to help us, to reinforce us and go forward. Take heart!"<br /><br />"The Virgin Mary helps us rush toward Bethlehem to the Child born for us for the salvation and joy of all men. To her the Angel says 'rejoice, full of grace. The Lord is with you.' (Luke 1:28) She obtains for us the joy of the gospel - at work, in the parish, and everywhere."<br /><br />Sr. Therese MW,SBSnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1129333277189264024.post-59415141941154232612016-12-08T13:41:35.155-08:002016-12-08T13:41:35.155-08:00 Oh how I look forward to this Sunday because ... Oh how I look forward to this Sunday because we get to light the pink candle on the Advent wreath! This event would typically initiate escalated excitement in my boys knowing that Christmas was almost here. It was also the kick-off of my frequent reminders that they had better behave or they may not find presents under the tree… How precious those days were. As an adult, this half-way mark of the Advent season would start me obsessing about not having done my shopping, planning, sending of greeting cards, etc., totally not the thoughts the third Sunday of Advent should bring forth. It is easy to lose sight of the holiness of the season with so many celebratory expectations in the air.<br /><br /> Waiting, expecting, and preparing are such an integral part of life. As a mom-to-be, each day of those nine months was exciting as I anticipated new birth. I actively looked for changes in my body which signified the growth and development of my unborn child. Every sense of movement and kicking brought such exhilaration as I prepared the bassinette, clothes, room color, bottles and baby names. As my children matured and became young adults I continued to anticipate their next steps – college, marriage, grandchildren – and on and on. Parents initiate the cycle of anticipation with their young toddlers. We plant seeds with the expectation of the shoot pushing through the soil. We watch with them while awaiting the caterpillar’s transition to butterfly. Anticipation can be so sweet that we can taste and feel the desired outcome. Conversely, erroneous expectations can cause confusion.<br /><br /> John the Baptist was confused. His expectation of the Messiah was one of a judgmental God. His reaction to hearing that Jesus was healing the afflicted and preaching the good news of the Kingdom to the poor was very contrary to the fire and brimstone God he envisioned. John’s questioning if Jesus was truly the Messiah offers each of us a potentially healing reflection.<br /> <br /> My foundation of the faith was based on the teachings of the Baltimore Catechism. I could recite the rules and regulations backwards by the time I graduated 8th grade. I memorized the prayers so well I was called on to recite them for all sorts of functions. I was pretty impressed with my comprehension of Catholicism. When my first son entered Catholic school he brought home a religion book that contained stories about a loving God, Jesus, who loved us beyond measure and who healed the sick, and advocated living by spiritual principles known as the Beatitudes. I initially questioned how he would ever learn the faith with this type of instruction! However, as we studied together I was very attracted to this expression of God. What I realized was that my childhood teaching resulted in a fear-based association with a score-keeping God who resided somewhere “out-there.” Fear drove many of my actions such as attending Mass, volunteering at Church, prayer. I avoided sin merely out of fear of going to hell. Learning about Jesus, his teaching, and his mission opened me to a love-based God and has led me into a trusting relationship with Jesus. Releasing my out-dated vision has led to the most rewarding journey I could ever imagine.<br /><br /> So, what is our expectation of Jesus? Is he our Messiah? Do we need to rethink some of the expectations we have of God. Experience has proven that the love, peace and joy that is commercialized is very shallow and fleeting. It is only in and through Christ that we will encounter these authentic, eternal gifts. Let us anticipate the beauty of Christmas Day as we actively prepare our hearts to receive Jesus, our Lord and Savior. He is the only gift of the season that promises not to disappoint!<br />Pathttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15183102502129500705noreply@blogger.com