The Days Of Waiting

We have arrived at the beginning of a new liturgical year. The first major solemnities come quickly:  Immaculate Conception; Nativity of the Lord; Mary, Mother of God; Epiphany; Baptism of the Lord. It seems the pace of our spiritual life has suddenly quickened.

Yet the watchwords from now until December 25 are prepare and wait. As we await the blessed hope, the appearance of the glory of our great God and savior Jesus Christ (cf. Titus 2:13), we must also prepare the way of the Lord (cf. Isaiah 40:3). Such a odd juxtaposition of concepts--doing something and doing nothing. Mary and Martha at the same time. (How Chestertonian.)

Such is the nature of the season we celebrate. But the "four weeks" of Advent are as necessary as the nine months following the Annunciation. It is the "time" required to be completed. Such a great celebration needs that kind of anticipation and planning.

The time will come for Mary to give birth to Jesus. We know the hour, and it will come as appointed. How we ready ourselves for it will make all the difference in the world.

The days of waiting, the time for preparation, have begun.

It will be here sooner than you realize.

Ready the wreath, ready the candles, ready yourself. 

2019 Thanksgiving Day Card

Give thanks to God for all the blessings you have received. Praise Him for the goodness He has bestowed upon you. With a grateful heart, rejoice in His love.

Happy Thanksgiving, Everybody!

November 2019 Morning Offering Prayer Intention

Here is the intention for this month when reciting the Morning Offering:

Dialogue and Reconciliation in the Near East. That a spirit of dialogue, encounter, and reconciliation emerge in the Near East, where diverse religious communities share their lives together.

A reflection for this intention is found here.