It has become an annual tradition that I go to St. Anthony's Parish in Casper, Wyoming on the second weekend of Advent. I lead a retreat on Saturday and then stay and preach at all of the weekend liturgies. This year will include a bonus. St. Anthony's Tri-Parish Catholic School is hosting an open house on Sunday from 1:00 to 3:00 P.M. It will be two full days of activities.
Given the current state of affairs in our world, I am grateful to have this time to join with others and reflect upon our own spiritual journey. Our Scripture readings this weekend will remind us of the words of the prophet Isaiah as proclaimed by John the Baptist. There are valleys to be filled. In our own lives, when have we left kind words unspoken? How frequently do we leave compassionate deeds undone? How often do we neglect our prayers? These are valleys that need to be filled.
Every mountain and hill shall be made low. Do we have hills of pride and self-centeredness? Do we have mountains of anger, arrogance, and hatred? Are we unwilling to yield to the more humble ways of Christ? We are called to bring harmony to our disordered life through repentance.
The winding roads shall be made straight, and the rough ways made smooth. Quite simply, John the Baptist is inviting us to root sin out of our lives. We should be living differently because Christ is coming. Indeed, He is already in our midst. Are we able to recognize Christ? Sin blocks the path that leads to God.
Next week begins the Year of Mercy. St. Faustina revealed the following message from our Lord. "He who does not pass through the door of my mercy will pass through the door of my justice." During this Advent season let us eagerly cling to Christ and His mercy!
Given the current state of affairs in our world, I am grateful to have this time to join with others and reflect upon our own spiritual journey. Our Scripture readings this weekend will remind us of the words of the prophet Isaiah as proclaimed by John the Baptist. There are valleys to be filled. In our own lives, when have we left kind words unspoken? How frequently do we leave compassionate deeds undone? How often do we neglect our prayers? These are valleys that need to be filled.
Every mountain and hill shall be made low. Do we have hills of pride and self-centeredness? Do we have mountains of anger, arrogance, and hatred? Are we unwilling to yield to the more humble ways of Christ? We are called to bring harmony to our disordered life through repentance.
The winding roads shall be made straight, and the rough ways made smooth. Quite simply, John the Baptist is inviting us to root sin out of our lives. We should be living differently because Christ is coming. Indeed, He is already in our midst. Are we able to recognize Christ? Sin blocks the path that leads to God.
Next week begins the Year of Mercy. St. Faustina revealed the following message from our Lord. "He who does not pass through the door of my mercy will pass through the door of my justice." During this Advent season let us eagerly cling to Christ and His mercy!
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