Category Archives: Advent

Mary says yes to God

Our Christmas gift to you are these two reflections on Mary of Nazareth: Mary’s Heart & Hearth and Fra Angelico’s The Annunciation. If it is hard to find time to pray during this busy week, let these words about Mary be your prayer. We wish you every blessing this Christmas.

Gospel Reflection for December 17, 2017, 3rd Sunday of Advent

Sunday Readings: Isaiah 61.1-2,10-11; 1 Thessalonians 5.16-24; John 1.6-8, 19-28 “A man named John was sent from God. He came for testimony, to testify to the light, so that all might believe through him.” – John 1.6-7 John’s gospel begins with 18 verses about the preexistent Word who becomes flesh in Jesus. These verses includeContinue reading “Gospel Reflection for December 17, 2017, 3rd Sunday of Advent”

Gospel Reflection for December 4, 2016, 2nd Sunday of Advent

Sunday Readings: Isaiah 11.1-10; Romans 15.4-9; Matthew 3.1-12 Two family trees figure in Sunday’s readings: the children of Abraham and Sarah hear God’s call, go to a new land, and await a child who will be the first of descendants as countless as the stars. Faith in God’s promise is their DNA. The descendants ofContinue reading “Gospel Reflection for December 4, 2016, 2nd Sunday of Advent”

Mary’s Yes

In the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent by God to a town in Galilee called Nazareth, to a virgin engaged to a man whose name was Joseph, of the house of David. The virgin’s name was Mary. And he came to her and said, “Greetings, favored one! The Lord is with you.” But she was muchContinue reading “Mary’s Yes”

Gospel Reflection for December 20, 2015, 4th Sunday of Advent

Sunday Readings: Micah 5.1-4; Hebrews 10.5-10; Luke 1.39-45 “Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit and cried out in a loud voice, ‘Blessed are you among women and blessed is the child of your womb.’” (Luke 1.41-42) The encounter between Mary and her kinswoman Elizabeth is spiritually electric. Each woman has responded to God alone.Continue reading “Gospel Reflection for December 20, 2015, 4th Sunday of Advent”

Still Waiting in the Dark

It is still Advent. It is still dark and cold. Last week we cried out, “Paris, Minneapolis, Colorado Springs.” The list grows. “Syria, California.” Our hearts hurt. We wait. Unexpectedly, I am experiencing a deep depression that attacks from all sides. I have little strength to deal with my feelings of uselessness. I feel likeContinue reading “Still Waiting in the Dark”

Gospel Reflection for December 13, 2015, 3rd Sunday of Advent

Sunday Readings: Zephaniah 3.14-18; Philippians 4.4-7; Luke 3.10-18 “Crowds of people came to hear John the Baptist and seek the baptism of repentance he proclaimed. They asked ‘What shall we do?’ In reply John said, ‘Whoever has two coats must share with anyone who has none; and whoever has food must do likewise.’” (Luke 3.10-11)Continue reading “Gospel Reflection for December 13, 2015, 3rd Sunday of Advent”