There is no better model for us than Mary in opening ourselves to God’s plan for our lives. We know at the Annunciation when the angel Gabriel announced to Mary that she was to be the mother of our Savior and Lord, Mary worked through her fear and confusion and said YES to God’s plan for her. With such an inspiring faith, Mary spoke these powerful words: “I am the handmaid of the Lord. Be it done to me according to thy Word.” Can we with Mary speak these words at the beginning of 2021: “I am the servant of the Lord. Be it done to me according to your word.”
Where is God as we celebrate Christmas in 2020 as we wrestle with the coronavirus? You can point to the heavens; you can point to the infant Jesus in the Bethlehem crib; but I would like you now to point to your heart as I ask the question: Where is God? As we listen to the Gospel, in one simple unassuming sentence, the Christmas mystery is revealed. From the evangelist Luke: “While they were there, the time came for her to have her child, and she gave birth to her firstborn son.”
Filomena always had a contagious smile on her face and was full of laughter and joy which she spread to everyone she met. Being with family brought her much happiness, and just about everyone she knew was considered part of her family. She was truly the life of the party. Any gathering with her, even if it was just Sunday dinner, was a party. She loved people and always found the good in everyone. She was everything great.
Eileen became a parishioner at St. Joseph's Church over 20 years ago. As the years went on, it was difficult for her to attend mass. She was so grateful for all the people who would bring her Communion, reflect on the week's Gospel reading, and just chat with her. The practice of being a Catholic was so important to her. Eileen became an Associate of the Sisters of Mercy for over 30 years. Our Lady of Mercy High School, her Alma mater, was an important part of her life! Eileen was very independent! A few adjectives describing Eileen from her grandchildren were faithful, gracious, kind-hearted, good sport, joyous, welcoming, tough, curious, and proud of her family. Eileen always signed her cards "Peace, Love, and Prayers"
The prayer of Mary is so very different from what has been called the world’s most common prayer, the prayer in which we try to get God to do our will. The world’s most common prayer says: “My will be done,” whereas the world’s greatest prayer says, “Thy will be done.”
In ten words, St Paul expresses the theme of today’s liturgy: Rejoice always. Pray without ceasing. In all circumstances give thanks. My hope for myself and for you is that the joy of Gaudete Sunday is the joy that you experience everyday as a disciple of Jesus: rejoice always; pray without ceasing; in all circumstances give thanks.
Frank was an accountant for over 35 years. He was quick to laugh and had a good sense of humor. Frank loved going to all of his grandchildren and great grandchildren’s baseball, softball, basketball and volleyball games. After his wife and his family, golf was his true love. In 1953, Frank scored a hole-in-one at Midvale Country Club on the 240-yard, 13th hole. At the time, this was one of the longest aces ever made in the area.
This Advent season is a waiting season for us in capital letters. We are waiting to get beyond the restrictions of these pandemic days. We are waiting for a vaccine. But may this forced time of waiting be an invitation for us to enter into the blessings of the Advent season of waiting. For me a slower pace of life is getting me in touch with the grace of the Advent season. I am trying to step back from the busyness of day to day activity and to simplify my day.