2nd sunday in advent

Posted on by Cassie

THE VOICE IN THE WILDERNESS

The ministry of John the Baptist provides the prelude for Jesus’ public ministry, and Luke carefully specifies the historical setting.  Some of the names of rulers may mean little to us now, but they make the point that Jesus lived at a definite moment in history, in a definite place.

John preached repentance and baptized people in water as a sign of cleansing and repentance.  John the Baptist came to prepare the people of Israel for the Messiah and point him out to the people as the “Christ.”

The Jewish people’s homeland was occupied by the Romans.  There was oppression.  The procurator was Pontius Pilate.  Herod the King was brutal and ruthless.  Ananias and Caiaphas were not the most revered high priests.  The world that Jesus was born into was a difficult one.

John was a prophet.  He prepares the way for the Messiah.  He  fulfills the prophecies of the Old Testament.  One prophecy in particular is associated with John, that of Isaiah Chapter 40.  In that prophecy we hear about the “voice” who calls out in the wilderness the to prepare for God’s coming back to His people.

Certainly John’s location in the Judean wilderness by the Jordan would evoke great hope and expectation from the Jews of his day.  The specific location was where Joshua led Israel across to enter the Promised Land.  The Jordan was the threshold of the promise, and John’s summoning Israel to return to the waters of the Jordan for the forgiveness of sins meant that he was asking the people of Israel to make a fresh start.  He invited them to a new beginning. Once again, at the Jordan, a new Joshua (Jesus) would lead them to the longed for promises of God.

God Bless

Msgr. Powell

 

1st sunday of advent

Posted on by Cassie

Today we begin a new year in our Church.  Each Church year begins with the Season of Advent.  During Advent we prepare for the coming of Jesus our Savior on Christmas Day.  Advent allows us time to prepare ourselves for the continual birth of Christ in our heart, mind and soul.  If you want to be prepared spiritually for the coming of Jesus on Christmas, you need to enter into this season eager to strengthen your spirit for your encounter with Jesus.

To help in your spiritual preparation we will have our Parish Penance Service on Thursday December 12, 2024 at 7pm.  Please reserve this date to take part in our penance service.  The Sacrament of Penance lifts a burden from our hearts and fills us with the grace of peace.

During Advent Season make an effort to attend daily Mass (6:30am and 9am weekdays), read Sacred Scripture or other spiritual readings, come to Eucharistic Adoration and receive the Eucharist frequently.  Continue your effort of personal spiritual renewal.  Pray, study and be generous. Prepare yourself and your family spiritually for this Christmas.

God Bless,

Msgr. Powell

IMMACULATE CONCEPTION

NOT A HOLY DAY OF OBLIGATION

Since December 8th falls on a Sunday this year, the Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception is celebrated on December 9th.  It is not a Holy Day of Obligation.  You are encouraged to come to Mass, but it is not an obligation.  We will have Mass at 6:30am and 9am on Monday December 9th.

 

The Solemnity of Our Lord Jesus Christ, King of the Universe

Posted on by Cassie

It is our Church’s custom to focus on Christ the King as we celebrate the last Sunday of our Church year.  Next week we begin a new Church year with the Season of Advent.

In our first reading from the prophet Daniel, our Lord is envisioned as the Son of Man coming on the clouds of heaven to receive dominion, glory and Kingship.  In the gospel from John, Jesus stands trial and is questioned about His Kingship by Pilate.

As John’s Passion unfolds, the theme of Christ’s Kingship emerges as the central point.  It is the focal point of Pilate’s questions, the cause of our Lord’s mock coronation by the soldiers, and the substance of the inscription placed on the cross— Jesus of Nazareth, King of the Jews.

John uses irony to great effect.  Although Jesus is brought to trial before Pilate, it is really Pilate who is being judged.  Moreover, although Pilate hands Him over to be lifted up on the cross in ignominy he sets the stage for Jesus to be lifted up in glory.

In other words, His Kingdom does not depend on military might, economic strength, or political power.  It is a spiritual Kingdom that depends on faith, prayer and good works.  It is not a kingdom that seeks to increase its wealth, expand its borders or inflate its image.  It is a kingdom that promotes peace where there is violence, justice where there is exploitation,  and freedom where there is oppression.

Will we miss our chance as Pilate did and not take Christ’s kingship seriously?  Or will we acknowledge Him as family and join in His cause to protect human rights, relieve poverty, and care for the unwanted?

God Bless,

Msgr. Powell