Daily Advent Reflections

This Advent, let's come together as a parish to read the daily Scriptures and reflect on the coming
of Christ into our lives and our world.

Click the link below to download a Daily Advent Reflections booklet written by your fellow parishioners!

Click Here to Download a Print Booklet
 

Sunday, November 29 | First Sunday of Advent | Click here for readings
Reflection written by Jim Boyd, Sacristan, member of the Knights of Columbus, reader, choir member

Take a minute of silence and “Think about the people who loved you into being.”

That’s something of what Fred (Mr.) Rogers says in a recent movie based on encounters with a magazine journalist. God brought us into that existence in love and with patience in His image. What we are admonished to do on this First Sunday of Advent is to “Watch for the coming of the Lord.”

Has he already come among us in our brothers and sisters?
Do we see and hear the face of Jesus each day?
For whom are you watching and waiting?

Let us turn to Him in those closest to us who helped us into being remembering that it’s not a thing of time or place. The virtue of patience is what He who is Love incarnate asks of us. So when we watch for the coming of the Lord, please do not look past our sisters and brothers for whom we are indeed each other’s keeper.

Welcome to Advent 2020.

Monday, November 30 | Feast of St. Andrew, Apostle | Click here for readings
written by Lainey Arleth, High School Youth Ministry 9th Grader

When Jesus called out to Peter and Andrew, they followed him. They dropped everything, trusted Jesus, and followed him. When Jesus called out to James and John, they left their father to follow him. That might seem crazy, just leaving everything behind to be a follower of Jesus, but this is essentially what we are called to do. So I invite you to ask yourself during this season of Advent: Am I following Jesus? Am I able to put my faith in him? When you first hear these questions, you might be confident the answer to both is ‘yes’, but Advent is a time to dig deeper. If Jesus were to call upon you now, would you truly drop everything to follow him? It’s okay if you’re unsure, because that is what our faith journey is about. It’s not about staying the same, it’s about growing your faith and developing your relationship with God. This Advent season, I am setting a goal for myself, and I challenge you to do the same. I want you to set a goal that will strengthen your relationship with the Lord and your faith in Him. My goal is to pray more, and to pray for God to help me with strengthening my faith. Praying might be helpful for you, or you might want to take a different path. Whatever way that will best help you build your faith. No matter how you chose to go about it, I am positive we will all end Advent being closer to God.

Tuesday, December 1 | Tuesday of the First Week of Advent | Click here for readings
written by Whitney Pencina, parishioner for 7 years and member of the young families group

Today is our daughter’s birthday! Fourteen years ago, our first child, a beautiful baby girl, was born and our world was suddenly a new place! I vividly remember the anticipation of this day and the hope we had as new parents. We prayed that we would be able to handle this great responsibility with God’s help...but we also hoped that the world around us would welcome and love this child as we did…that her time in the world would be one where “justice would flourish…and fullness of peace forever;” where hypothetically, at least, the “wolf would be the guest of the lamb, cow and bear would be neighbors (that would be a great children’s book) and where a child could lay a hand on the adder’s lair and the earth filled with the knowledge of the Lord.” Amazing! But as we all experience, this is not the reality of our world, and certainly not 2020 with a global pandemic, racial tension and political divides in our country. With so many struggling from the financial, physical and mental effects of these problems, how can we hope in 2020?

Enter, Root of Jesse! This Shoot that sprouted and blossomed in the womb of Mary, that carried with Him the Spirit of wisdom and understanding, counsel and strength, knowledge and fear of the Lord to every person He encountered. This Root is still growing today. How? He blossoms through His Presence in the Sacraments, in His Word, and in YOU, my friend! When you know Jesus, you carry with you everywhere the hope of this passage in Isaiah. Let us use this Advent to grow this Root of Jesse into full blossom in our hearts, that we may be filled with the wonder and hope of children when He arrives on Christmas morning!

*Think back to a moment of wonder or hope you have had during 2020 despite its many challenges – How was God with you in that moment? How can you continue to grow the virtue of Christian hope this Advent, Christmas and in 2021?

P.S. – Wish Fr. Scott a happy birthday today, too!

Feast of Blessed Charles De Foucald

Wednesday, December 2 | Wednesday of the First Week of Advent | Click here for readings
written by Nicolas Rapkoch, Seminarian for the Diocese of Raleigh

“At that time: Jesus walked by the Sea of Galilee, went up on the mountain, and sat down there.” Man encounters God upon a mountain throughout Scripture. Moses on Sinai, Elijah on Mount Carmel, David on Mount Zion where he conquered Jerusalem for the LORD. Our LORD Jesus overcomes temptation on a “high mountain,” He reveals His heavenly Glory on Mount Tabor, is crucified on Mount Calvary, and is believed to have Ascended from the Mount of Olives (the mountain on whose slopes is the Garden of Gethsemane).

Isaiah, in this passage, continually refers to “this mountain,” a specific mountain. This mountain is Mount Zion, upon which the city of Jerusalem is built. Isaiah tells us that upon Mount Zion, God will not only provide us a lavish feast but destroy death itself! In return all that will be required of us is to rejoice.

As we know from the Book of Revelation to the Apostle John, the Church is the New Jerusalem, the New Zion. (Rev 21:2) The Church is “this mountain.” Jesus, in this Gospel, sits down on the mountain, indeed, comes to “rest on this mountain.” What does He do in His rest? He heals and feeds the people who have gathered with Him there. Jesus prefigures His gift of the Eucharist to His Church which heals us, feeds us, and destroys death within us.

This year may have reminded us that we walk in a dark valley. It may have shown us that attending Mass had become more of a mundane routine than an act of thanksgiving and rejoicing. Yet, our LORD has come to rest on His mountain and provide us rich food and choice wines. Now is a time to seek Him all the more. If by circumstances we are separated from the Mass and the Blessed Sacrament, may our yearning increase and may we trust that He will provide! If we are able to receive the Eucharist more regularly, may He increase our thanksgiving and rejoicing! May we also consider doing so in prayerful consideration of those who are unable at this time. May we all understand more deeply that in the Eucharist, God Almighty gives us Himself completely. In that: fear no evil and, because of it, want for nothing.

Thursday, December 3 | Memorial of St. Francis Xavier, Priest | Click here for readings
written by Bruce and Kathryn Olive, Candidates in the RCIA program

This reading from Mathew on building the foundations of our faith during the season of Advent, the season of waiting, seems particularly relevant to us. As newly formed Catholics (but lifetime Christians), we have done a lot of waiting and building recently. We waited during our discernment to be guided to build our faith on the rock of St. Peter. We waited to complete sixteen weeks of RICA and to build our knowledge of the Catechesis. We are waiting for our confirmation on January 17,  continuing to build our knowledge of the church during Mystagogy. And, of course, we wait with the faithful to joyfully celebrate the birth of Jesus.

Building on a rock takes time and effort. But faith built on a firm foundation is able to weather the storms of life. Following the will of God is the hard path, a path that requires work and discipline. With the help and blessings of the community of STM, we hope to continue to strengthen our house, waiting and ready to hear the will of our Father for the next steps on our faith-building journey.

Question for reflection: If a “Faith Inspector” came to do a report on your house, would your faith foundation pass inspection?

Friday, December 4 | Friday of the First Week of Advent | Click here for readings
written by Ilka Cordova, Spanish teacher at St. Thomas More School, ministry member and leader at the church

Toñito, my 55-year old cousin, was born blind. He has never seen this world, yet you can find him saying that in his life, Jesus goes first in front of him wherever he goes and makes him feel secure, strong, and happy.

In today’s readings we are reminded about God’s promises. Isaiah tells us that God is going the make the blind see, so Jesus makes two blind men see after they cried out to him persistently. We do not know if these men were born blind like my cousin, but in both scenarios, faith in God is first. The blind men recovered their sight after Jesus touched their eyes, and my cousin can see today’s world with eyes of hope, peace, and love in Jesus Christ.

In the difficult times we are going through today, sometimes we feel that God does not hear our prayers. Could it be that we are too distracted with things and events our eyes can see and forgetting about our relationship with Jesus? As we begin our Advent season, let us call out to Jesus loud enough that we do not hear ourselves but His voice and response to our prayers. Let’s put our faith in God first so He will make us see with eyes of hope, peace, and love.

Saturday, December 5 | Saturday of the First Week of Advent | Click here for readings
written by Ann Banes, Bible study leader, ministry member, and volunteer at St. Thomas More

I can still hear my Mother saying when I was a child, ”You are always in the wrong place at the wrong time.” I guess I was/am pretty headstrong and independent. Memories of my “Teacher” were at the forefront of my mind while listening to Isaiah say:

…with your own eyes you shall see your Teacher,
While from behind, a voice shall sound in your ears:
“This is the way, walk in it,”
When you would turn to the right or to the left.

We all make mistakes, but I fought even calling mine “Mistakes.” They were “negative learning curves.” Sometimes, even the very worst times in our lives are for our “learning curves” and those lessons, though the most painful, lead to the best of times.

I blamed God for my relinquishment…

When I finally stopped trying to tell God how things should be handled, when I finally accepted that God had been trying to steer me all along to “the way”, I became a pro-life warrior.

Then…I got a great gift back from Him…my son.

On the day the Lord binds up the wounds of his people, he will heal the bruises left by his blows.

Have you ever had a situation from which you thought you would never recover, only to live through it and thrive? Do you think God had something to do with your WAY?

Sunday, December 6 | Second Sunday of Advent | Click here for readings
written by Drew Melvin, St. Thomas More parishioner for 52 years

“There but for the grace of God go I”. How many times have we said, or more often, thought those words? Frequently our response to those in poorer circumstances borders on prejudice and bigotry. In the first reading, the Psalmist is obviously asking God to give him the wisdom and strength to govern and protect the people of Israel. He asks nothing for himself, only for those he is responsible for, and that the name of God be praised forever. Such a great attitude.

And in the writings of the prophet Isaiah, we hear that while we may have afflictions and trials, we will weep no more because the Lord will hear our cries and answer us. Can you say God has answered your prayers? I can. Sometimes the answer is “wait”, but He always answers.

Lastly, Paul in his colorful style essentially tells us to wait, the best is yet to come. And that brings me back to my first sentence. As I get older, I am learning more each day that the appropriate response to life is “only through the grace of God am I where I am.” And each day is better than the one before. Hopefully some of you will understand when I say I’m keeping my fork.

Monday, December 7 | Memorial of St. Ambrose, Bishop and Doctor of the Church | Click here for readings
written by Daniel Gulisano, High School Youth Ministry 9th Grader

In the Gospel, Jesus is aware that the scribes and Pharisees are doubting him, and he asks them: ‘What are these thoughts you have in your hearts?’.

I thought of myself and how Jesus is aware of what I’m thinking. My main instinct wasn’t to be embarrassed or scared, it was how I was comforted with the fact that Jesus is present, even in my thoughts. If Jesus was aware of the Pharisees’ and scribes’ doubts and crafted a question for them, he was surely working on me. He wasn’t going to give up on me very easily, and that’s something that is comforting to know.

Jesus doesn’t want us to fail. He’s with us and wants us to go to heaven, and he doesn’t want us to hold doubts about him. The ones who had faith in the power of the Lord had their friend healed, and the ones who doubted, had their objections absolved.

Tuesday, December 8 | Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception | Click here for readings
written by Becky Cascino, Coordinator of Vocations Ministry and Baptism Preparation teacher

When my children were little, we talked often about “Mama Mary.”  My youngest still calls her by that name. Over these years of parenting, an image has come to me: I am like a restless toddler, moving distractedly and out of balance, leaving messes behind me wherever I’ve been. Mary gracefully follows, clearing the disorder, working with Jesus to restore the brokenness. And she gently reminds me to move more slowly. To listen. To obey. When I don’t agree with the rules and rebel, Mary gently whispers, “Let’s go have a talk with your Father.”   

Sometimes it seems easier to relate to Adam and Eve under the tree. “The devil made me do it” – whatever it was that I chose to do to take me away from God’s grace. Mary’s purity reminds me of a better way.

It is because of her purity that Mary has such clarity. She sees through my excuses, prays for me and guides me. As we celebrate her purity today, her Immaculate Conception, let us echo Saint Paul: ‘Blessed be God, who has blessed us with every spiritual blessing’ – especially the gift of our dear Blessed Mother! Mama Mary, pray for us!

How do you picture Mary in your life?
Is she close by, or farther away than you would like?
What is something you can do to grow closer to Mary in this season of Advent?

Wednedsay, December 9 | Wednesday of the Second Week of Advent | Click here for readings
Matt Sebastian, Leader for the Come and See Retreat and Life in Christ Prayer Group

Invitation to prayer:
Bless the Lord, O my soul! Put aside all your burdens and thoughts that wear you down. You are in the presence of the mighty Lord! Praise and thank Him with all your heart!

Reflection:
Our Lord is the one and only, the Alpha and the Omega – there is no one else like Him! Our Lord calls us to reflect on His omnipotence and omnipresence as our Creator. His supreme power can uplift our weary souls and renew our laden spirits. Today, Jesus reaches out and asks us to set aside our human yokes that are burdened with our inequities and idolatry. Yes, idolatry in today’s world can take the form of material wealth, fame, or power, that takes precedence over our Lord, who ought to be placed paramount in our lives. In the magnanimity of His grace, Jesus calls on you and me to bear His yoke of humility and divine knowledge thereby seeking rest in His arms. Jesus says ‘“Come to me, all you who labor and are burdened, and I will give you rest” (cf. Matt 11:28). This statement has new meaning in my life, as I seek Jesus’ rest and strive toward being more intentional in my faith. My reflection on Jesus’ promise of divine rest, helps me realize this awesome gift of His sustaining peace, unlike the temporary perception of rest offered by the myriad of worldly pleasures. He speaks to my seeking heart that longs for His joy and peace. He forgives my inequities in His compassionate embrace.

Prayer:
O Lord, grant me the wisdom and humility to take up your yoke and seek your divine rest.

Closing:
Pray Psalm 103 focusing on the phrases: ‘Merciful and gracious is the LORD, slow to anger and abounding in kindness.’ He forgives my inequities and heals me with His kindness and compassion. Bless the Lord, O my soul! Heal me and fill me with your divine grace, now and forever.

Thurday, December 10 | Thursday of the Second Week of Advent | Click here for readings
written by Claire Stanelle, Middle School Youth Ministry 7th Grader

When the reading says, “I, the God of Israel, will not forsake them,” it reminds us that God is with us and that he watches over us. The reading also tells us that when we pray to God, asking him to help us, he hears us. God will answer our prayers. He will not forsake us but help us in our times of need. “‘I will help you,’ says the LORD,” the reading says.

God would “open up rivers on the bare heights, and fountains in the broad valleys;...turn the desert into a marshland, and the dry ground into springs of water” rather than let us die of thirst. He will not abandon us when we need him most.

To me, this reading tells us that God is with us and that He watches over us. Even in this scary time, he watches over us, and he hears us.

Friday, December 11 | Friday of the Second Week of Advent | Click here for readings
written by Ellen Spann, parishioner for 6 years and mother of teens in the Faith Development program

If you would hearken to my commandments, your prosperity would be like a river, and your vindications like the waves of the sea.

I have always heard that you cannot outdo God in generosity. Testimonies of radical faith and trust in God have been an inspiration to me. The first time I ever remember making a prayerful, sacrificial offering, I was nearly 25 years old. I prayed that God would build my home by preparing my future spouse for me. I surrendered it and honestly did not worry about it again. Three months later, when I least expected it, I met my husband.

Every time I have tried to be generous with God, whether it be money, my time, my belongings, body, fasting, prayer, He has shown me how loved I am. I am in awe that he cares for the minute details of my life.   

What gift can I give God today?
What is God asking of me, and will I give my Fiat?
Do I have a radical love and trust in God?
Would I get up on the cross and take God’s place?

Saturday, December 12 | Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe | Click here for readings
written by William Villalba, parishioner for 24 years, member of the rosary group, and musician

I recall my mother’s silence on a sunny day in Venezuela listening to John Paul II, and I, but a child sitting by her, was amazed with that holy silence despite thousands gathered there.

Zechariah’s exhortation to be silent “in the presence of the Lord” (proceeded by a zealous “Sing and rejoice”) is a joyful one. Christ is among us; let us be still and listen to our Lord, just as the Lord muted Zechariah when the angel Gabriel spoke to him.

Nevertheless, silence is by no means the absence of words. Our Lady of Guadalupe communicated to us with roses: after failed attempts to convince Bishop Zumarraga, a tilma full of roses was the only “words” that Juan Diego needed in that unspoken moment. The image of the Lady in Juan’s garment spoke volumes!

Ours is a time of noise, desperation, and anxiety. Why not heed to Zechariah’s call to silence? In such silence dwells our hope, for Jesus is within us!

I recall my mother’s silence, but let us always remember Our Virgin Mary, listening quietly to the angel Gabriel. Allow Jesus to speak to us and hope fill our hearts, for we will certainly sing and rejoice!

Questions for reflection:
1. Are we effectively using our silence to listen to others or are we more interested in being understood than seeking to understand?
2. What is an area in your life in need of “noise reduction” in order to better listen to Jesus’ voice?

Sunday, December 13 | Third Sunday of Advent | Click here for readings
written by Deacon Bob Troy, Coordinator of Liturgy at St. Thomas More Church

Today is the Third Sunday of Advent, Gaudete Sunday. Gaudete is Latin for Rejoice. Today we wear rose vestments for Mass and light the rose Advent candle as we rejoice that Christmas is almost here.

But it might be hard to rejoice this year. COVID-19 is everywhere. Holiday plans may have been severely limited, or cancelled altogether. Many people are hurting, and far too many have died. What are we to do?

I think Saint Paul gives us the answer when he tells us to Rejoice always, and to pray without ceasing. God invites us to come to Him through prayer, to place our hopes, our fears, our joys and our sadness in His loving hands. When we do, hopefully we can see new reasons for rejoicing. I rejoice that God has blessed me with family and faith. I rejoice that He has given us health care workers, first responders, and teachers. Most of all, I rejoice that God has blessed us all with His Son, our Incarnate Lord Jesus Christ. Nothing we may suffer can change the fact that we are intimately loved and cared for by Jesus. That is the greatest reason of all to rejoice!

Questions:
What reason do you have to rejoice this Christmas season?
When you pray, how does God answer you?

Monday, December 14 | Memorial of St. John of the Cross, Priest and Doctor | Click here for readings
written by Thomas Allen, High School Youth Ministry 10th Grader

In this season of Advent, as we prepare to accept Jesus into our world, today’s Gospel shows our Lord being questioned about the source of His divine authority. At the beginning of the reading, He arrives in the temple area and drives out the money changers. The Pharisees, angered by His actions, angrily inquire, “By what authority are you doing these things? And who gave you this authority?” In a way, the Pharisees and elders can be seen to symbolize our own resistance to God’s will. Just as they objected to Jesus’ purification of the temple area, oftentimes we, too, struggle to accept Jesus into the temples of our own hearts. Notice the Pharisees’ reaction to Christ’s question about John the Baptist: “If we say, ‘Of Heavenly origin’, he will say to us, ‘Then why did you not believe him?’ But if we say, ‘Of human origin’, we fear the crowd, for they all regard John as a prophet.” They resolve to tell Jesus they do not know the answer. The Pharisees’ response is disingenuous. It reflects their fear of being shown up in debate or of falling victim to mob violence, not what they really think. Christ gives them no answer because, in reality, they are not seeking one. Contrast this with His treatment in John 3 of Nicodemus, a Pharisee who comes to Jesus with an open mind and heart. Unlike the Pharisees in today’s Gospel, Nicodemus receives an answer from The Word Incarnate. This Advent season, we must try to avoid being like the Pharisees in today’s Gospel and accept the changes that Christ wants to make in our lives. If we do, then like Nicodemus, we will find our questions answered.

Tuesday, December 15 | Tuesday of the Third Week of Advent | Click here for readings
written by Tricia Amitrano, volunteer receptionist, Catholic Daughter, member of the Prayer Shawl Ministry

I love the Psalms. They always bring me such comfort and joy. Psalm 34 is especially poignant during our current pandemic. THE LORD HEARS THE CRY OF THE POOR has so much more meaning for me today than ever before.

We’re experiencing things that most of us have never had to cope with before. Isolation, fear and sickness are a daily experience for some of us. The media screams out gloom and doom on a minute by minute basis.

This Psalm reassures me that God hears my prayers and will rescue me from my distress.  It calms my fears. This Psalm gives me hope knowing that the Lord hears the cry of the poor, the sick, the sad, the hungry, the lonely.  He hears us and give us the strength to slog through our despair and depression and come to the joy of God’s abundant love. This psalm reassures me that the Lord is close to me.  He hears my prayers and the prayers of all who love Him. This blessed Psalm gives me hope of a brighter day and faith that this, too, shall pass.

Wednesday, December 16 | Wednesday of the Third Week of Advent | Click here for readings
written by Kristin Hauser, Director of High School Youth Ministry

I have never met a person who loves Christmas decorations as much as my mother. The lights, the tree, the 47 nutcrackers... and more all awaken from the confines of our hall closet, ready to infiltrate the house with light and memories. There is something about the way we celebrate Christmas that makes the season a little easier – when the days are shorter, colder, even darker than any other point in the year, we choose to cover our homes with warmth and light.

When I really think about it, the contrast is almost jarring – but in so many ways, I think that’s what Advent is about. During this season, we take the time to pray and sit in darkness and waiting because we know that the light is coming. We have hope that a tiny baby, born to a young mother 2,000 years ago rules over both darkness and light, death and life.  In the discontinuity of Advent, may we find peace.

Thursday, December 17 | Thursday of the Third Week of Advent | Click here for readings
written by Natalie Moulton, member of the Young Adult Ministry

The Gospel of the genealogy of Christ Jesus is one I’ve often struggled with, anxiously awaiting the ending and subsequent homily. However, I think my default reaction to this Gospel reading parallels some seasons of life and the liturgical season of Advent.

In anticipation of Christ, it’s easy to miss some of the prominent biblical figures leading up to Christ, and even easier to miss the names that are less recognizable. But God is perfect, building the foundation for Christ through the people of the Old Testament. He doesn’t forget, calling each of them, and us, by name. Each person is delicately woven into a larger canvas.

Perhaps during this Advent season, and all our seasons of ‘waiting’, we should take more time to appreciate the threads being intentionally woven around us, instead of anxiously waiting to see what the whole canvas will look like.

Are there times when I’ve rushed through or wished away seemingly insignificant moments of my life? Do I rush through Advent in anticipation of Christ’s arrival?

How can I best challenge myself to stay in the present moment, rather than thinking ahead to the ‘next thing’?

Friday, December 18 | Friday of the Third Week of Advent | Click here for readings
written by Isham Allen, Middle School Youth Ministry 8th Grader

In Matthew’s Gospel we see God, through an angel, asking Joseph to welcome Mary and Jesus into his home and family. God also asks us to welcome Jesus and Mary into our homes and our families. We can do this both through our faith and physical objects. In this season of Advent, one way to do this is to place a nativity. Setting up a nativity is a tradition of the Christian faith that reminds us the necessity of having Jesus and Mary as the center of our lives.

Although he did not fully know God’s plan, Joseph was faithful to God and trusted that He would make everything alright. He believed that God was watching over him in creating this new family. This faith was with him on both the Holy Family’s trip to Bethlehem and then to Egypt. God calls us to be faithful. Even when we cannot understand God’s plan for our lives, we can trust in the all loving, all just, all powerful God. Just as God walked with Joseph in his difficult times, when you are struggling God stays with you. No matter how deep or dark the tunnel there is always light of Christ at the end.

Saturday, December 19 | Saturday of the Third Week of Advent | Click here for readings
written by Jeff Malkovsky, Leader of the St. Michael Ministry and member of the Funeral Care Team

In today’s readings, we hear of God answering the long repeated prayers of two married couples for the gift of a child.  When God answers their prayers, it’s clear that these gifts come with some pre-conditions. In some sense, these conditions are sacrifices that God asks so that His plan can be fulfilled.

Gifts from God are not simply meant to be ‘unwrapped’ and enjoyed for our pleasure alone. In their essence, they are a call to service.  Paradoxically, that service is itself a gift, although it doesn’t always feel like it!  Sometimes that service is clear and the path in front of us obvious.  Other times, there’s some serious and heavy work required to travel His Way.  Is the path you’re on right now serving His plan or yours alone?

Often our challenge is simply understanding clearly what God wants us to do with the gifts and blessings He’s given us. These gifts can come in many forms.  It might even be difficult to see His gifts in our lives.  How many times have each of us taken our gifts for granted?

This is where prayer and reflection are so helpful in our lives. For prayer is a conscious opening of our hearts to His loving guidance.  A faith and trust that He will guide us to use our gifts in service of His plan. And so we pray, help us Lord to understand what You want us to do with the gifts we’re given.  But above all, Your will be done.

Sunday, December 20 | Fourth Sunday of Advent | Click here for readings
written by Amanda Bolaños, Pastoral Associate Intern at St. Thomas More

During this season of Advent, and in the midst of a global pandemic, today’s Gospel proclaims a message of joy and hope.

Mary is told by the Angel Gabriel that she has been chosen by God to bring God’s only Son into the course of human history. God respects Mary’s free will; He gives her a choice, and she says “yes.”  However, Mary was initially perplexed by God’s message. She was found “greatly troubled,” and she asks: “How can this be...?”

This year has not been an easy year. Many times, I find myself just as perplexed as Mary. In reaction to the circumstances of this year, I ask the Lord, “How can this be...?” It is difficult to keep faith in difficult circumstances, in unholy situations. However, as Christians – as people of hope – we are challenged to bring holiness out of unholy situations – always.

In today’s Gospel, Mary offers a glimpse of the struggle to find holiness always. Mary is given a difficult decision; however, Mary’s “yes” to God changes the course of salvation history forever, bringing us the holiest moment that the world has ever encountered in linear, human history: the personhood of Jesus. Imagine the power of your “yes” to God, and the amount of potential holiness that your “yes” could bring.

In these unsettling times, how can I find holiness in an unholy situation?

Monday, December 21 | Monday of the Fourth Week of Advent | Click here for readings
written by Nathan Lissy, High School Youth Ministry 12th Grader

I feel comfortable in saying that this Advent season is the most unique Advent any of us have experienced. Ordinarily, we would all be at Church these past few Sundays, eagerly awaiting the lighting of the Advent wreath. Our patient anticipation, at long last, would culminate as parishioners flock to St. Thomas More to celebrate the birth of our Savior.

Unfortunately, we don’t have that opportunity this year. Although this pandemic is taking a toll on everyone, we hold the belief that our situation will improve in the near-future. In other words, we have hope -- a core tenant of Advent.

At the time just before Jesus was born, a prophet hadn’t walked the Earth for over 500 years, and the people of Israel were yearning for a spiritual leader. Elizabeth, mother of John the Baptist, was among them. As Mary came to greet her, she was overcome with joy, exclaiming “...how does this happen to me, that the mother of my Lord should come to me?” Elizabeth was overjoyed about the coming birth of Jesus the Messiah… because she had hope.

The Holy Spirit, speaking through Elizabeth, has a message about hope for us as well: “Blessed are you who believed that what was spoken to you by the Lord would be fulfilled.” Applying this to our current situation, the message takes on a slightly different meaning: for the remainder of this Advent season, continue to hope that things will improve in the coming months. And, God willing, they will.

Tuesday, December 22 | Tuesday of the Fourth Week of Advent | Click here for readings
written by Deacon Luis Royo, Director of Hispanic Ministries at St. Thomas More

Today’s readings present us with two of the most profound prayers in the Bible which are somehow intertwined to each other: the prayer of Hannah and the “Magnificat” of the Virgin Mary.

Their prayers reveal the love of God for the poor and His plan of Salvation. S. John Paul II in commenting of Mary’s words he said they describe “God’s love of preference for the poor and humble, that love which, celebrated in the Magnificat, is later expressed in the words and works of Jesus”.ⁱ

In revealing God’s plan, the Magnificat use seven verbs in Aoristo- a form of a verb for an action that has already initiated without indicating its completion yet. Pope Benedict XVI in reflecting on those verbs he states: “In these seven divine acts, the “style” that inspires the behavior of the Lord of history stands out: he takes the part of the lowly. His plan is one that is often hidden beneath the opaque context of human events that see “the proud, the mighty and the rich” triumph.”ⁱⁱ

Advent is challenging for me because if God has taken the risk of becoming man in Jesus for loving with words and deeds to those in need, then I cannot remain indifferent. Am I ready to love with preference the poor, the immigrant, the sick, the strange? Jesus was so eager to joining the poor and afflicted, why I am always looking for joining the powerful instead?

ⁱ John Paul II Redemptoris Mater #37
ⁱⁱ Benedict XVI General Audience February 15 2006

Wednesday, December 23 | Wednesday of the Fourth Week of Advent | Click here for readings
written by Kathy Siemer, Sacristan, Catholic Daughter, member of the Rosary group

In these readings, who is this messenger and what is his role? He’s been sent to prepare for God’s coming and to purify anything that is not of value.

Okay, so I’m clear on this…but what does this have to do with me? Please take a few moments to reflect on the following scenario (taken from my Bible) on Malachi 3:1-2:1:

“Prophet: Prepare the way of the Lord!
Listener: Who, me?
Prophet: Yes, of course, you!
Listener: But that’s John the Baptist’s job.
Prophet: Was. That was John the Baptist’s job. Now, it belongs to you, as a follower of Christ.
Listener: So, what do I do? Where do I start?
Prophet: Listen to Jesus. Nurture your relationship with God through prayer and the sacraments. Live a happy, holy, and healthy life in order to be a light for others. Share what you believe with others so that they can also find their way. By the way, you are not alone.
Listener: You mean there are a lot of us preparing the way?
Prophet: That’s right.
Listener: Well, then, I’m on my way - or rather, we are on God’s way.”

Praise God! Amen!

Thursday, December 24 | Christmas Eve | Click here for the readings
written by Laura Olson, Member of the Catholic Mothers Network, catechist for the RCIA program

My three-year-old enters the room and says, “Mama, can we please have some Mama time?” She longs for this closeness many times in a day. She wants me to be her source of comfort, strength, justice, and love.

I sometimes think that it is under my intellect and power that I build my house, where my family takes shape. Rather, it is the Lord to King David who has made all successes possible and who continues to bring about good from all that is. Today we wait for the coming of the Lord, in 2020.

How can I be that little child who is not afraid to run up to our Lord for all I need? Like a child who does not understand the workings of the world, can I trust that Jesus will be this “guide for our feet in the way of peace”?

Friday, December 25 | Christmas | Click here for the readings
written by Fr. Scott McCue, Pastor of St. Thomas More

The end of the Gospel reading for Mass During the Day on Christmas reads:

And the Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us, and we saw his glory, the glory as of the Father’s only Son, full of grace and truth. (John 1:14)

In the fullness of time, the Word became flesh. God came and dwelt among us. Think about everything you know of God and then think of the fact that this God chose to become one of us in all things but sin. The Nativity of the Lord marks that day when all creation rejoiced for God, our God, had been born among us.

We have been placed together. You and me. A Pastor and his people. I thank God for that because in you, I see the Christ incarnate. In you, I see the love of God poured out. In you, I see the beauty of the nativity. Even when you are not at your best, when you are having a bad day, when life seems to get the best of you, I see Jesus, the Word made flesh. Christ’s incarnation made the human condition holy. He redeemed all of our flaws, cleaned up our messiness, saved us from sin and made us like Himself. How great is that?

Merry Christmas.