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Feast of the Epiphany

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On this Feast of the Epiphany, my thoughts for this reflection have come from several sources. As I share each thought, I will also share from where I received the inspiration for it. We hear in the Gospel that the Magi were led by a star from the East. When they arrived in Jerusalem, Herod inquired about the star’s appearance. He sent them to search for the child, with a request that they return so that he, too, may pay homage. This star preceded them to Bethlehem, stopping over the place where Baby Jesus lay.  Inspired by our priest’s homily at Mass last evening, I began to ponder myself as a star. Is the light of my star a bright beacon, leading others to Christ through my words & actions? Or have I let my star grow dimmer by the earthly worries & trials of human frailty? I must continue to polish my star, so that its light can remain a strong guide for those I encounter on a daily basis. That polishing process can be done through frequent reception of the sacraments ...
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Fourth Sunday of Advent

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Well, here we are already...the 4th Sunday of Advent has arrived!  Have you finished your Christmas shopping & wrapped all the presents, baked your holiday delectables, mailed your Christmas greeting cards, decorated your home to rival any display of Martha Stewart's? If you're like most people, you probably answered that you're nowhere near being finished. But you know what? That's perfectly fine because none of those items are important in the grand scheme of things.  The bigger & most important question to be answered is, "Have you prepared your heart to receive Jesus on Christmas Day?" After all, without Jesus' humble birth in a stable over 2000 years ago, none of the other things above would have any significant meaning! Today's Gospel tells us that Mary, upon being told that she would bring our Savior into the world, set off in haste to her cousin, Elizabeth. Advanced in age, Elizabeth was experiencing a miraculous pregnancy, foretold by...
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Book Review - A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens

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At least once a year, for as long as I can remember, my Dad has read A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens. There are some years he's read it two or three times. While I've only read it a couple of times, I have seen numerous movie versions, some much better than others! It is definitely a classic story that stands the test of time & has touched many hearts. I think I'll read it again this year!  Most everyone is familiar with the story of Ebenezer Scrooge, an old miser who is visited by four ghosts. One is his deceased partner, who warns him that he will be visited that night by three others who will show him his past, present, & future. Following is part the essay Olivia wrote for her book analysis during her freshman year of high school. The bolded sentence in the last paragraph really stood out to me. That year, I printed it on a sheet of cardstock with an image of Scrooge & the ghost, framed it, & gave it to my dad for Christmas.  ********** English 9 B...
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Third Sunday of Advent - Gaudete Sunday

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Welcome to the 3rd Sunday of Advent, also known as Gaudete Sunday! Time to light that rose candle in the Advent wreath. Gaudete is a Latin word which means, "Rejoice" & on this today, we are called to rejoice in the hope our Lord brings for us. We rejoice that God loved us so much that He sent His only Song to redeem us from Original Sin. We rejoice that Mary said yes to God's call to carry & give birth to His Son. We rejoice in anticipation of Jesus' humble birth. Our readings today encourage us to rejoice in all circumstances, no matter what they may be. We, who trust & hope in our Lord, know that He has an amazing plan for each of our lives & even in times of trial & tribulation, He is there working for & with us.  The 1st reading from Zephaniah tells us, "The Lord, your God, is in your midst, a mighty savior; he will rejoice over you with gladness, and renew you in his love...."  Paul's Letter to the Philippians in the 2nd re...
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Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary

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In the Catholic Church, we celebrate the Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary on December 8th. This year, because the 8th fell on a Sunday, the celebration was transferred to Monday the 9th. There are many over the years who have misunderstand this Solemnity  (myself included)  & mistakenly believe it is about Jesus' conception. However, it actually refers to Mary. From Her conception & birth, without the stain of Original Sin, God kept Her pure, undefiled, & full of grace. She was prepared to receive Jesus into Her womb, to bring the Divine into Human form, thus enabling Jesus to carry out His mission to save our souls for our eternal reward in Heaven.  Mary said, "Behold, I am the handmaid of the Lord. May it be done to me according to your word."  Then the angel departed from her. (Luke 1:26-38) Mary is the sacred vessel delivering Jesus to all humanity. In Her "Yes" , She has become the example we should follow. Like ...
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Second Sunday of Advent

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Welcome to the 2nd Sunday of Advent where our focus this week is Peace . While our Gospel today doesn’t use the word, it does conjure up a sense of peace in John the Baptist’s cry, quoting the prophet, Isaiah… “Every valley shall be filled and every mountain and hill shall be made low. The winding roads shall be made straight, and the rough ways made smooth, and all flesh shall see the salvation of God.” We are asked to prepare the way in our hearts & homes for the coming of our Lord & Savior, Jesus Christ. The daily readings over the past week have come from the Book of the Prophet, Isaiah, focusing on Jesus’ coming. We can find peace in these readings, knowing that whatever trials we may face in this life, there IS peace in Christ. We can use this Advent season to prepare our hearts & homes for His arrival on Christmas Day & His eventual 2nd Coming.  Sadly, there are many who do not feel this sense of peace & struggle to find contentment in their daily lives. ...
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First Sunday of Advent

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“...nations will be in dismay”, “People will die of fright”, “...powers of the heavens will be shaken”. One might wonder how a season in anticipation of our Savior’s birth can start off with such an ominous tone. This prediction of the fate of the world & the human race doesn’t make one feel hopeful & joyous. It doesn’t call to mind the pleasure of exchanging presents & cards, baking cookies, singing carols, decorating the tree, or any of those fun Christmas activities. Nor should it! We are beginning the season of Advent, NOT Christmas…much as secular society would have us believe. Advent is a time of waiting & preparing our hearts for the birth of Jesus. According to the Oxford Languages English Dictionary online, vigilance is “the action or state of keeping careful watch for possible danger or difficulties” , coming from the Latin word, vigilare, which means “to keep awake ”. Carousing, drunkenness, & daily anxieties are some actions Luke lists which can be dange...
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