Christmas Blessings

Rejoicing in the

joy of Christmas

with St. Francis of Assisi,

may hope 

guide your steps,

may peace 

fill your home,

may joy meet 

you on the journey,

may love

fill your heart.

Merry Christmas!

Original Artwork: 

By Ceci used with permission 

What Are We To Do?

When Advent days 

have slipped away

and the Great Feast 

is on the horizon

and there is still 

more prayers to pray,

more waiting to do,

more words to ponder,

what are we to do O Lord?

When Advent days 

have become chaotic

and there is still a longing

to be patient,

to simply be,

to fast from the indulging,

what are we to do O Lord?

When Advent days

have not been filled with

as much giving from the heart,

depth of prayer,

and generosity of spirit,

what are we to do O Lord?

O Lord, you invite us to remember

in this season 

you have been whispering to us

peace and hope,

a deeper joy, 

and now your assuring love.

O Lord, you invite us to remember

your light still comes

among it all, 

both done and undone,

and increases the light

of our daily living.

Still, what are we to do O Lord?

You invite us, O Lord, to trust

and with the choirs of angels

to raise our voices

with confidence to declare:

O Come, Emmanuel

dwell in our hearts!

And our hearts can whisper: 

Rejoice! Rejoice for the time is near!

Photo Credit: Ricky LK

Advent a Time to Hear and See

What do you hear and see?

In this Advent Season our senses are often overwhelmed with much goodness. In this goodness what do we hear and see? Do we see the blind receiving site? Do we see the lame walking? Do we see lepers cleansed? Do we hear the deaf speaking? Do we see the dead regaining life? Do we see the poor receiving good news? 

It is in our “actions and words” these truths come to light. However, this common phrase of “actions and words” is now stack up with other common phrase “love it” and we lose sight of everyday miracles. Yet the truth is it is in our actions and words which transform and bring hope and joy. Everyday miracles which are the base of common joy.  

What have I heard and seen to prove this?

I have seen a heart blinded by hurt seek healing. 

I have seen the burden of uncertainty lifted from someone who now is no longer lamed. 

I have seen how forgiveness and reconciliation have cleansed the leprosy of my own life. 

I have heard the laughter of a brother and the giggle of a child deafness vanished.

I have seen the death of addictions dissolved from lives and new life gained. 

I have heard the gratitude of the poor who have received hope and dignity. 

Where you may ask? 

In individuals, in families, in communities, in neighbours, in parishes, in our country. 

As our common humanity continues to be torn apart by hour increasing greed, false fears, and gullible lies how are we being heralds of hope and bearers of joy? What do we hear and see? Do you hear what I hear? Do you see what I see?

Each new day is the chance to live the gospel and see the power of its goodness, hope and joy take root. We are messengers sent. Advent is the start of the living out the gospel for the whole year. 

Let us go forth boldly.

This reflection is inspired by: Matthew 11.2-11

Photo Credit: Edi Libedinsky

 

Prepare

A voice cries out:

Prepare!

And we say:

There is another party to attend!

A voice cries out:

Prepare!

And we say:

There are more cookies to bake!

A voice cries out:

Prepare!

And we say:

There is more shopping to do!

A voice cries out:

Prepare!

And we say:

For what?

A voice cries out:

Prepare the way of the Lord.

And we say?

 

Let us be brave in this Second Week of Advent 

to prepare our hearts matching the preparations 

of our homes and celebrations.

Come, O Come Emmanuel, 

let us not lose sight of you!

Photo Credit: Markus Spiske