Dear Parishioners,
It’s hard to believe that another liturgical year begins this
weekend. Welcome to the First Sunday of Advent!
Advent is a time of commemoration, anticipation
and preparation. We recall the Birth of Jesus Christ while the Church
reminds us that Christ will come again. When?
This has been an unanswered question for
the last two thousand years.
Hopefully, we as Christians have not become too complacent or even indifferent towards this teaching of our
faith. What if Jesus did return
in glory to judge the living and the dead tomorrow, next week or next month?
I guess some people would panic: “When was the last time I was in
Church?” “I haven’t been to confession
in years!” “My life is not really in
order right now!” “I never did forgive
my dad!” “I haven’t spoken to my sister in years!” “I’ve been preoccupied with so many things and
never take the time to pray!” “I really
do not know Jesus Christ.”
Jesus warns us: “Be watchful! Be alert! You do not know when
the time will come.” (Mark 13:33) We are
told by St. Paul that the day of the Lord “will come like a thief at night. “
(1 Thessalonians 5:2)
I do not want people to become fanatical like those who run around with signs claiming that the end of the world is near. However, as Christians we need to live
continually in the presence of the Lord. Christ is aware of us and is there for us at
all times. Unfortunately, as humans we
can not consciously realize this at every moment, nor do we always live
appropriately even if we believe it.
Advent is here. Don’t waste the time by getting caught up in
all of the materialism that the world
is concerned about and sells us everyday.
Take time for your spiritual life. After all, we as humans are comprised of body
and soul. Take time for Jesus Christ.
I find that when my spiritual priorities are in order and Christ is forefront in my life,
everything else mysteriously seems to fall into place. I may have to learn this lesson over and over
again, but someday I may finally get it right. One can only hope!
Our three day Advent Mission begins Sunday evening. Fr. James J. Greenfield, OSFS will be our guest speaker. Please consider joining us each evening
(Sunday 11/27, Monday 11/28, and Tuesday 11/29) at 7PM.
It would be a great way to start the Advent
season.
Fr. Ed Namiotka
Pastor
Fr. James J. Greenfield, OSFS
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