Brothers and Sisters
In the midst of pre-holiday hyperactivity, we are offered this quiet season of reflection on Christ’s coming among us, especially in unexpected moments. As with our ancestors in faith, his final return is unknown to us, so we probably don’t think about it very much. But how aware are we of his presence to us now? Have we thought about what our response might be whenever or however he makes himself known to us? Advent is our time to do this. Wishing you all a holy Advent filled with spiritual blessings as we enter this great season of hope!
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Some of the most dramatic biblical imagery comes on this last Sunday of our liturgical year. The overall imagery on this feast is striking: Israel’s rulers do not adequately care for their people; so, God will do it, as both shepherd and judge. But, the responsibility for the neediest shifts in the Gospel. When the Son of Man comes in glory, he will judge us for our acts of mercy. We cannot look to God to care for those in need. The job is now ours, and the King now judges us. Our Annunciation family has always been a caring, loving and welcoming community...let us continue!
Brothers and Sisters
The closing of the church year is an opportunity for deep reflection. We hear advice again about paying attention and planning for what will inevitably come in each of our lives. Our readings speak of wisdom, courage, and using the strengths and gifts given. As Thanksgiving and the onslaught of the coming holiday season collide, this may be a good time to take a breath, step back, and think about what really matters. I pray that we keep our eyes fixed on heaven this season! In this season of gratitude, I would like to thank each of you for all your care and support. May our Lord shower you with abundant blessings always! Happy Thanksgiving! Brothers and Sisters
It’s easy to become complacent about life, our faith, and our commitments when we are caught up in the demands of daily life. As we approach the end of this liturgical year, we are called to pay attention to what really matters. Our readings remind us to focus on the bigger picture of eternal life and to question our focus, our energy and how we use our resources. We are called to look away from the superficial and to remember that time is not unlimited. We do not know the day nor the hour when we will be thrust into eternity. How are we preparing for it? My prayer is that we are all attentive to our eternal address and we will all be together in heaven! Brothers and Sisters
Our weekend readings are about abuse of power among those who profess to teach or lead others. These roles are especially open to scrutiny because of the power inherent in them. We could extend this idea to anyone in a position of authority, but our focus here is on the faith community. Those in leadership roles in the church are reminded of their responsibility to imitate Christ in all their words and deeds, and we are encouraged to hold them accountable and to pray for them. We are all called to be responsible in one way or another. May we always lead others the way Christ would! Brothers and Sisters
Throughout Judeo-Christian history, people have explored how to live as God’s people. Reflecting on our bottom line as committed Christians could not be more relevant today. Our weekend readings reiterate that faithful living means - at rock bottom - loving and caring for one another, especially the most vulnerable. The instructions could not be simpler. That we still need to hear this reminds us that simple does not mean easy. My prayer is that we all strive to live faithfully. Brothers and Sisters
Our readings continue our reflection on who God is and what God expects of us. In the Judeo-Christian tradition, this understanding gradually evolved among alternate views. We face similar challenges today. How does our faith relate to other important commitments we have? And who is this God in whom we believe? Jesus confronted these questions, and his answer is unambiguous and risky. How do we answer the questions in our own lives remembering always to give to God what belongs to God? Brothers and Sisters
Our readings continue to be rich in imagery about God, what God is like, what God does for us, and how God invites us. The images are ancient, but they still speak to those of us with these questions: Why are we here? What do we seek from God? What are our beliefs? What do we have in common with our ancestors? What does it mean to be called? As we listen to these readings, there are wonderful questions to challenge us. Let us continue to pray to our good Lord for answers to deepen our faith! Brothers and Sisters
Judeo-Christian history and our weekend readings remind us again that being called to be God’s people is a gift and a privilege. But it is also a responsibility that comes with expectations. Even in difficult times, we hear that what is offered to us is not to be squandered. We are free, of course, to respond however we choose. But if we accept our calling, it comes with a price. Being chosen, being Christian, as with all relationships, is not easy sometimes. In light of all that is going on in this world....natural disasters, human violence, hunger and famine, let us resolve to offer one of the the greatest gifts that we have been given by our Creator....prayer! Let us continue to pray for the world's needs. Brothers and Sisters
Our weekend readings address an all-too-familiar piece of advice that is easier to talk about than to do: Forgive. We know from experience how hard it is to forgive and how powerful it is to be forgiven. That Jesus was even asked about it indicates that it is not a behavior enacted easily. His response reflects our need to be instructed about it. Forgiveness is not usually our first response to real or perceived hurts or injustices, and it may require our commitment to live as totally new people in Christ. But, boundless forgiveness may be the greatest gift we can ever give one another ... and ourselves. Together, let us pray that we may always imitate Christ and remember his dying words..."father, forgive them for they know not what they do". |