In your day-to-day life, do you feel that you live with joy? Are people drawn to Christ because of how you live?
How frequently do we ponder that nothing is hidden from God? Are we truly saints in the making?
Since December 12 falls on a Sunday, the Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe is replaced by the Third Sunday of Advent. Rose colored vestments may be worn on this day to exclaim the joy we have in our hearts as we wait for the coming of the Lord on Christmas Day. In your day-to-day life, do you feel that you live with joy? Are people drawn to Christ because of how you live? How frequently do we ponder that nothing is hidden from God? Are we truly saints in the making? Celebrate Gaudete Sunday well!
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"Put on the full armor of God." Please read Ephesians 6: 10-17 prayerfully.
Are you strong in the Lord and mighty in his power? Do you recognize the enemy? Are you ready to stand firm with the Lord? As we reach the halfway point of our Advent journey, I hope you recognize that I am challenging each one of us in these reflections to prepare the way of the Lord by rooting sin out of our lives. God chose us in Christ before the world began to be holy and blameless in his sight. Let us continue to grow in holiness. What actions are needed from each of us in regard to the three questions listed above? St. Augustine said, "The very habit of sin does not allow them to see the evil which they do. Hence, they live as if they no longer believed in the existence of God, of heaven, hell, or eternity. And behold, after an evil habit is contracted, the sins, which before excited horror, are now viewed with indifference." "Walk while you have the light, before darkness overtakes you." (See John 12:35-36) Being trapped in the bondage of sin is not a good place to be. When we walk with the Lord, we are not guaranteed a trouble-free life. On the contrary, we are invited to take up our cross daily and follow Jesus. However, we carry it knowing that Jesus has conquered even death itself. We are unable to carry our cross willingly if we are mired in sin. If sin has a stranglehold over us, we will become more and more bitter at the circumstances of our life. We lose our joy and choose darkness over light. I encourage each of us to choose the Light of Christ today. I challenge each of us to also specifically name one way we are going to do that. We can't let these steps simply be philosophical niceties. They must be tangible to make a difference. In what concrete way will you and I reflect the Light of Christ? How many Ash Wednesday services have you attended throughout the course of your life? The solemn reminder is there each year, "You are dust and unto dust you shall return." How has this reminder impacted the way you live? Are you any closer to turning away from sin and being faithful to the Gospel now than you were five years ago?
The liturgical seasons have varying symbols and rituals, but the message remains constant. We are called to be saints. Are you submitting yourself to God and resisting the devil? (See James 4:7) "Sin shall no longer be your master." (See Romans 6:14) We are celebrating the Season Of Advent, but the Easter Light should always be shining in our hearts. We have been plunged into the waters of baptism and set free from sin. Are we living in a way that shows we believe this to be true?
Today is the Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception. This is an ideal time for us to reflect more deeply and passionately about the gift of salvation and being set free from sin. In what way will you reflect the Light of Christ today? How do we use the gift of freedom and free will? Are we building the Kingdom of God here on earth, or are we pursuing passions of the flesh? Are we serving one another humbly in love?
Please read Galatians 5:13. Reflect and meditate upon that passage. Allow God to speak to you in the depths of your heart. What are you being invited to do? This small chapel reveals many of the ways God bestows His mercy upon us through the Sacramental Life of the Church.
The reflection questions for today are quite simple: 1. Do you prefer to be judged by God's Divine Mercy or God's Divine Justice? 2. Do you seek out God's mercy on a regular basis? 3. Is your heart and mind fully engaged at Mass when you say, "Lord, have mercy. Christ, have mercy. Lord, have mercy."? 4. "Lamb of God, who takes away the sins of the world, have mercy on us." Do you speak these words with passion and a deep desire for forgiveness? 5. Do you make frequent use of the Sacrament of Penance? Read Psalm 103:12 to see just how far your transgressions have been removed. We don't seem to talk much about sin in our modern times. It has become so politically incorrect to talk about sin that I had a priest reprimand me after a workshop that I gave in his parish because I used the phrase "mortal sin." The last time I checked, The Catechism of the Catholic Church still teaches about sin--mortal and venial.
I invite you to read paragraphs 1846 through 1869 in the Catechism. It is available in numerous places on the internet. Paragraph 1857 explains mortal sin in clear language. Paragraph 1865 explains the consequences of "The Proliferation of Sin." "The Agony in the Garden" is a Sorrowful Mystery of the rosary. Do we really grasp the weight of our sins that Jesus bore? May this Second Week of Advent bring you God's peace! How frequently do you walk through a cemetery? I recommend that you do so on a regular basis for two reasons.
(1) Pray for the faithful departed. (2) Meditate upon your own mortality and pray for mercy. The question for today is straightforward: Do you believe in Jesus? Begin your meditation in John's Gospel. (John 5:24) I had watched Kerri Hayden on television for many years. It was great to meet her in person today in her new role at KFBC Radio. Many thanks to Kerri for giving me 45 minutes of air time to discuss the work we are doing in the community. Having the opportunity to discuss social issues impacting our community and the ways we are able to respond to those challenges through a collaborative network of nonprofit organizations is a tremendous blessing. A lot of great work is being accomplished by many different organizations, and I am grateful to be able to share the message with the wider community. On Monday, KRAE provided a full hour to share our story in a similar fashion. I had originally not planned on interrupting the retreat messages with other stories during the Season of Advent. However, I think it is important to still highlight the many ways God is working in my own life as well as in the lives of others.
We are approaching the end of the First Week of Advent. Please don't let these days of spiritual preparation pass you by unnoticed. How will you grow closer to God during the remaining days of Advent? |
AuthorThis is my personal blog. The opinions expressed are those of Deacon Vernon and the blog's readers. This site operates independently and is not affiliated with any other entity. The information I provide is on an "as-is" basis. I make no representations as to the accuracy, completeness, or suitability of any information on this blog. I will not be liable for any errors or omissions in this information. Furthermore, I will not be liable for any losses, injuries, or damages arising from its use. |