Weekly Reflections for December 4, 2022
Celebrating the Second Sunday of Advent, today we read from Matthew’s Gospel (3:1-12). In this passage, Saint John the Baptist, the last of the prophets, gives us a lot to think about. God had been preparing the world for the Coming of Jesus for centuries. John was His final warning to prepare for Christ by repenting of our sins. Our Lord will return one day, after all, and we don’t want Him to find us in a mess.
In this light, Advent is a wonderful time to participate in the sacrament on Penance, or Confession. Every sacrament is an encounter with God. By examining our conscience, recognizing our errors, and seeking pardon, we grow closer to Him. We strengthen our relationship, one built on love, trust, and goodwill.
There will be a Bilingual Advent Penance Service at the St. Francis de Sales Main Church on Tuesday, December 13th at 7:00 p.m. The Father has a lot of graces He wants to share with us, so let’s take them!
This time of year, there are so many things to do. But let’s consider what it’s all about and keep Christ our focus. Through His grace, among the noise and the rush, prepare the way, and make straight His paths. Be ready to meet Him in the sacraments. Be ready to meet Him when He comes again.
The Catechism teaches us:
524 When the Church celebrates the liturgy of Advent each year, she makes present this ancient expectancy of the Messiah, for by sharing in the long preparation for the Savior’s first coming, the faithful renew their ardent desire for his second coming. By celebrating the precursor’s birth and martyrdom, the Church unites herself to his desire: “He must increase, but I must decrease.”
– Chris Brooks