Readings: Isaiah 63: 16b, 17, 19b; 64:2b-7; 1 Corinthians 1: 3-9; Mark 13: 33-37 God is faithful (1 Cor.1:9). In a recent discussion with a 9th grade student, I asked for a more specific meaning for her assertion that God is always there for you. This is the ultimate compliment from a young person, that another is there for you. So, where is the there youre talking about? I asked. Well, wherever! she responded with a well, DUH! look on her face. Of course. God IS wherever. God is where God is, anywhere we need God to be. Isnt that what Advent is waking us up to? That God is faithful, because God is present simply wherever. The author of Isaiah begs God to return to our hardened hearts, to rend the heavens and come down, as if God had gone away! (Is 64: 2). And in verse 4, Would that you might meet us doing right, that we were mindful of you in our ways! St. Maria De Mattias often encouraged her sisters to work hard to promote the welfare of souls for the glory of the Divine Blood [and] very, very frequently, call to mind the most holy life of Jesus Christ. . . . (Letter #570) In the Gospel, Mark calls us to Be watchful! Be alert! You do not know when the time will come. Watch! It is this kind of mindfulness in our daily living and in Scripture that will keep us finding God wherever. Truly, God is always there for you. God is faithful. Practice mindfulness of God wherever. Reflection by: Sister Raphael Ann Drone, ASC (United States Region)
Advent is time of waiting, but it is purposeful waiting, not in idleness. Both individually and corporately we must ascend the mountain which will allow us to behold the face of God. God bless us this Advent Season. Reflection by: Rev. James Urbanic, C.PP.S. (Kansas City Province)
Isaiah invites us to trust and to remember who our God is so that ultimately we together can say .let us be glad and rejoice in Gods salvation. Today I will spend some time remembering and re-focusing on who the God of my heart is. I will take a positive, concrete action to express my trust in Gods fidelity. Reflection by: Sister Mary Lou Schmersal, C.PP.S. (Dayton, Ohio)
redeemed people who understand the invitation. With the eyes of our hearts, we are impelled, through faith, to look around at our world, our church, our society, and like the blind men, find the moment of healing and expand the vision. While driving to my office one rainy, foggy morning my eyes strained to see the road ahead. I proceeded down the highway very cautiously, keeping my proper distance from the cars around me. It was a tedious and tense drive. I couldnt see clearly. I had to trust others while knowing my limitations of sight. There are so many times, when the vision of heart is easily cluttered. The needs of others go unnoticed and neglect becomes almost normal. Do I allow the fog to impair my vision? Are my eyes open to the needs of the world? What can I do to bring the brilliance of Jesus light to the poor, the blind, those in the greatest of need? Reflection by: Sister Helen Moore, ASC (United States Region)
uncertainty and he reminds us that He has placed His words in our mouth and that we are His hands and heart and he strengthens us by that gift of Himself in the Eucharist to go ever onward and never turn back. Reflection by: Rev. Gary Luiz, C.PP.S. (Atlantic Province)
salvation for Gods people, not about destroying them because they have sinned. The message of Gods Word always points toward salvation through the forgiveness of sin. Thinking about God's salvific action in our world there is no better phrase to sum it up than we have in the Gospel reading today: We have seen some incredible things today! It truly is incredible that there is a God who would never reject anyone who wants to be saved. We admit we are sinners, probably no less of a sinner than anyone else, and it is the Word of God that we hear today that again reminds us that we are part of the plan of Gods love and mercy. The Gospel illustrates Gods love and mercy so well. First of all there is the community aspect of the story when a group of people, who seem to believe in the message of Jesus, are willing to assist in the healing process by opening the roof and lowering the individual on a mat. Then there is the interaction between Jesus and the Pharisees about healing and forgiveness. What is incredible about this action is that Jesus both heals and forgives. Through healing and forgiveness Jesus invites people to believe in his authority and to participate in this ministry Our invitation is to be part of God's salvific action by our faith, and also in our action. We are called as Precious Blood people to be forgiving and healing ministers. Through word and sacrament we, too, have authority. We are to never underestimate Gods work in and through us. When we truly are about Gods work and ministry, the words of todays Gospel quoted earlier will ring true: We have seen some incredible things today! Reflection by: Rev. Al Ebach, C.PP.S. (Kansas City Province)
of todays chaotic situations in the sea of Christs redeeming Blood. His Love can re-unify the world today, and re-establish concord in the universe. That is the work entrusted to us this Advent. Ask the Holy Spirit to help you surface what has been deeply wounded or lost in your life. Ask Gods reconciling Love to cover and transform it. Let the Good Shepherd re-discover the lost sheep in your ministry. How will you pour out your precious blood into the lives of all you encounter? Reflection by: Sister Ann Clare Hendel, C.PP.S. (OFallon, Missouri)
Mary was told by the angel that the one to be born of her is the Holy One. Holy means to be apart from the rest of creation. A few years ago I made a private retreat in Italy at Santa Felice in Giano, Italy. It was St. Gaspars get away from the city of Rome. I experienced the atmosphere for HOLINESS there. While there I reflected on the meaning on which Gaspar wanted to found our community, not in vows, but in the bond of His Precious Blood. He took Jesus words in Johns Gospel, chapter 15, new Law, Love one another as I love you. Greater love than this no one has than that he lay his life down for a friend. Jesus came into the world to save it by laying down His life on the cross, shedding all His blood. The Holy One came to teach us how to love, how to be holy, not by laws but in Gods Love. Devotion to Mary, the Woman of the Covenant, teaches us how to let go. Her entire life was one Yes to the Holiness of God Who is Love. Advent is the time to let go of the world to allow the Holiness of God to come to us, especially in entering into the Blood of Jesus through the frequenting of the Sacraments, especially the Sacrament of Reconciliation, and say: Come, Jesus, Holy One of God. Reflection by: Rev. Peter Chiodo, C.PP.S. (Cincinnati Province)
Today it is Elias the prophet who is showcased. He is the one (among many) who was to preview the coming of the Messiah. In Sirach, we hear of his bringing down fire, not once but three times and of his being taken up in the whirlwind, to return only when the auspicious time was upon those who were faithful enough to recognize him. Do we recognize his real meaning these days? Matthew recounts that teaching moment of Christ when he opens his disciples eyes to the real encounter with Elias in the present-day person of John the Baptist, who is the central figure of our Advent reflections. And so he should be, for he is the one that introduces Jesus to the entire world: not just as a man, but as the lamb of God. There should be no uncertainty about the declaration and what it means, yet in the hearts of men there is wariness and perhaps even invincible ignorance. Isnt that same kind of attitude apparent even now? Do we really see Jesus as that true Lamb who takes away all sin and on whom we can rely? We say it with our lips but, like the frightened traveler who runs to the insurance counter before a flight, do we sometimes hedge our bets a bit by holding back our complete trust and undivided loyalty to His word and promise. Arent we, at times, like the doubting Thomas that needed physical proof; that had to see the wounds and touch the places of hurt? Lord, make us turn to you, let us see your face, and we shall be saved. The words of todays psalm urge us to be aware of what needs to be done in our lives. When we can do that turn to Him in complete confidence and trust we surely will have a place at the manger. Reflection by: Rev. Gary M. Luiz C.PP.S. (Atlantic Province)
That is true goodness, that is what makes this Season so special. It is a time of rejoicing and acclamation in the One who has set us free and shown us, through his own example, His power and loyalty, his care and gift. As the psalm today reminds us, he has come to the help of his servant Israel for he has remembered his promise of mercy. Indeed, Mercy is ours this day as we recall his proclamation of Glory. Reflection by: Rev. Gary M. Luiz C.PP.S. (Atlantic Province)
comes to mind. Indeed, the bringing of offerings from beyond the rivers of Ethiopia and as far as the recesses of the North brings to mind every tribe and tongue, people and nation. (Rev 5) Psalm 34 is the song of the heirs to the kingdom. It praises the Lord, who rescues the just. It reminds us once again of our source of strength and confidence. The Gospel brings to mind the birth of that kingdom. It is set in a vineyard, where the grape is tended and its blood harvested. It speaks of Jesus authority to the chief priests and elders of the people of his time, but it also speaks to us personally. As heirs to this vineyard, we are invited to take part in this harvest. The symbolism for us as members of the Precious Blood family is many-dimensioned. But it is for each of us personally to examine the readiness and the ways we answer this invitation. Today is the feast of St. Lucy, virgin and martyr. In the Nordic countries, now in the darkness of the winter solstice, her day is celebrated by Protestants and Catholics alike. Her name, which means light, is a reminder of the Light to come. How do the readings of today give hope to those who wait in darkness? Reflection by: Sister Theresa Jezl, C.PP.S. (OFallon, Missouri)
Lord, help us to be watchful, alert and ready until your Son is revealed in all His glory!! Reflection by: Sister Eileen Monnin, C.PP.S. (Dayton, Ohio)
This message of radical inclusion, reconciliation, is at the heart of our Precious Blood spirituality. We, too, speak words of reconciliation. Do they resonate deeper within us? Are our houses of prayer for ALL Gods people? Are they places of welcome and reconciliation? The recent Tsunamis expanded the boundaries of our hearts as people responded to the devastation of peoples lives and the horrific destruction of our earth. These boundaries were challenged as we remember and look back at the hurricanes of Katrina and Rita which broke through our comfortableness and called us to do more than pray for those who lost everything. Not only did the people of the United States respond but other foreign nations and countries offered aid, almost before the United States responded. The reading from Isaiah concludes: It is the Lord Yahweh who speaks, who gathers the outcasts of Israel: there are others I will gather besides those already gathered. In the embrace of God there are no boundaries; all are welcomed, included, reconciled in the Blood of Jesus who broke down the boundaries even more, spreading wider the embrace of God and calling us to lives of reconciliation and welcome. Deepening the Word within us: During these nine days before Christs coming, how will I break through my own personal boundaries to welcome, include, reconcile? Reflection by: Sister Barbara Smith, ASC (United States Region)
those who listen for it as Zechariah did in Gods house. The Daily Study Bible Series: The Gospel of Luke The story also states that Zechariah had difficulty believing Gods announcement and he was therefore rendered mute. I dont see Zechariahs muteness as a lack of faith. He had just been given the news that his heart most desired the answer to his prayers. He was responding in the most normal of ways he was dumbstruck and asking how could this be and why now? All very normal questions. This is not a lack of faith but a man making sure he was not dreaming. It is most important that Zechariah was prepared to hear Gods promise. His prayer was not just words; despite the many years Zechariah had been praying for the same thing, he was not just saying words without hope. His heart was filled with faith and hope and so he remained open to conversation with God. Thus when that conversation happened he heard it loud and clear. So clearly, he was stunned to the point of disbelief. So often the needs of those with whom I work feel overwhelming without an end in sight; progress is slow if any can be seen at all; when I take a couple of steps forward it seems that Im retracing those steps the next week. Zechariahs willingness to remain in conversation with God despite not receiving an answer to his prayer speaks to me of my need to remain faithful in my prayer. As we prepare to celebrate the birth of Jesus, may our prayer today be that we have open hearts, minds and spirits to hear the wonderful news God bestows on us. Reflection by: Rev. Joseph Bathke, C.PP.S. (Kansas City Province)
That precious body and blood growing in Mary calls those of us committed to that saving mystery to a very special longing one that is enduring, deep, standing in readiness, YES! Where is my longing? How can I intensify my longing between now and Christmas? Reflection by: Sister Luanna Brucks, C.PP.S. (O'Fallon, Missouri)
became her gift to all of Israel, as the young Samuel grew to be the wise one who would anoint the future kings of Israel. How can I make a return to the Lord for all that the Lord has given me? I will pray with Hannah and with Mary that I may have the courage to give back the gift of life that you have given to me, my dearest Lord. In the darkness of this Advent Thursday, I once again pray Marys humble song of hope, her Magnificat, which is so familiar to those who pray it with all the Church each evening. Its contrasting verses of proud and humble, wealthy and lowly, well fed and hungry provide vibrant images which keep me focused on the real reason for this season of joyful anticipation. Lord, help me to center my thoughts, my words, and my actions on Your greatness incarnate within me. Like those brave, generous women whove gone before me, may their humble example inspire me and all who contemplate their lives to move forward with selfless generosity. In the words of St. Gaspar: We are to give thanks to God for choosing us to serve him in some way; at the same time we say: If God were not to help me, what could I do? Letter #1940 Reflection by: Margaret Saliga, Companion (Cincinnati Province)
Your throne shall stand firm forever. These words from our first reading addressed to King David sum up our Advent season. All is about to be fulfilled. The Gospel recounts that wonderful canticle of Zechariah, the father of the Baptist, whose scales fall from his eyes the moment he proclaims the name of he who will bring about the Kingdom as he proclaims Jesus as the Lamb of God. To shine on those who dwell in darkness and in the shadow of death and to guide our feet into the way of peace. More beautiful, more meaningful, more glorious words and sentiments are harder to find in the Scriptures. We are to live in the joy of his love for us. As I grew up I watched my father go to work to a job he just loved. I always said to myself, I want to be able to do that when I grow up. Well, I have. To be a Christian, believing as we do in Gods promises to us, means that we get up every day and venture out into a world where we are needed and where we make a difference and where we feel His presence. It is a job that we just love. Merry Christmas! Reflection by: Rev. Gary M. Luiz C.PP.S. (Atlantic Province)