Repent of Your Sins this Advent

December 11, 2021 Saturday of the Second Week of Advent Readings for Today Saint Damasus I, Pope—Optional Memorial

Video “I tell you that Elijah has already come, and they did not recognize him but did to him whatever they pleased.  So also will the Son of Man suffer at their hands.”  Then the disciples understood that he was speaking to them of John the Baptist.  Matthew 17:12–13 As we continue to reflect upon St. John the Baptist, we see that his role of being Elijah was missed by the scribes.  They failed to see him fulfilling Elijah’s role of preparing the way for the Lord.   Though John had a unique and definitive role in preparing for the coming of Christ, so also do each one of us have a role in preparing for His continual coming.  Jesus came once many years ago, but He desires to continue coming into our lives.  And He can only come if we properly prepare for Him. How do you “prepare the way of the Lord?”  How do you continue the work of John the Baptist?  You do so, especially in Advent, by heeding the main message of John.  And what was his main message?  His message was to repent of our sin. Though we all struggle with sin as a result of our fallen human nature, we should never forget that our calling is that of perfection.  We are called to be perfect as the Father in Heaven is perfect.  We are called to recognize our sins, confess them, and strive to become detached from them. Advent is one of the most important times of year to do this and it is especially important that we seek out the grace of the Sacrament of Reconciliation during this holy season.   Reflect, today, upon how ready and willing you are to preach to your own soul about the importance of repenting of your sins.  Embracing repentance in this holy season is the best way to prepare for the continuous coming of Christ in your life. Lord, help me to see my sin as we enter more deeply into this Advent season.  Help me to be aware of the many things that keep me from You and to turn from them wholeheartedly.  Jesus, I trust in You.

Overcoming Harsh Words

December 10, 2021 Friday of the Second Week of Advent Readings for Today Our Lady of Loreto—Optional Memorial

Video “For John came neither eating nor drinking, and they said, ‘He is possessed by a demon.’   The Son of Man came eating and drinking and they said, ‘Look, he is a glutton and a drunkard, a friend of tax collectors and sinners.’”  Matthew 11:18–19a What we have here is the ugly sin of calumny.  Calumny is the intentional twisting of facts so as to misrepresent the truth.  Basically, calumny is a lie meant to do harm to another. Jesus points out that both He and John the Baptist were ridiculed and falsely accused of being sinful.  John, for example, fasted much which was quite virtuous.  But the Pharisees interpreted it as the work of the devil. Jesus spent time at many people’s homes as a guest and He was accused of being a glutton and drunkard.   When someone gives into calumny, they often look at some virtue in another and twist it some way so as to deceive and misrepresent the truth.  And it is often done out of envy or jealousy.   This sad situation should be an opportunity for each of us to look at how honest we are in our relations with one another.  When you see goodness in another are you able to rejoice in that fact?  Are you able to honestly give thanks to God for their goodness?  Or do you immediately start to interpret their virtue in a false way? Reflect, today, upon the way you look at others around you and, especially, how you speak about them.  Look at their virtue and try to honestly honor them for it.  And if you see yourself falling into any form of jealousy or envy, surrender it over to our merciful God so that it doesn’t turn into the ugly sin of calumny.   Lord, help me to see others in the light of humility and truth.  Help me to see their goodness and virtue and to rejoice in it.  Strip from me any falsity and calumny.  Jesus, I trust in You.

The Road of Charity

December 9, 2021 Thursday of the Second Week of Advent Readings for Today Saint Juan Diego, Hermit—Optional Memorial

Video “Amen, I say to you, among those born of women there has been none greater than John the Baptist; yet the least in the Kingdom of heaven is greater than he.” Matthew 11:11 As we reflected upon St. John the Baptist this past Sunday, so also we are given his witness in today’s Gospel.   John was great first and foremost because of his humility.  But Jesus also makes it clear that John’s greatness as the greatest of the Old Testament Prophets is nothing in comparison with being a member of the Kingdom of Heaven!  Heaven must be our goal.  It must be the purpose of our life.  What good is it if we obtain much greatness in this world and fail to make it to Heaven? Interestingly, Jesus does not put down St. John in this statement since “Saint” John the Baptist is in Heaven.  Instead, He points to the fact that John was not only great because of his humility and all he did in this life, but he was even greater because he is now enjoying the rewards of eternal life in Heaven. Too often we measure our lives from a worldly point of view.  We look for greatness here and now and fail to recognize that eternity is what matters most.   Think about it.  What will you rejoice in for all eternity?  Will you rejoice in the fact that you accomplished this or that in this world?  That you made lots of money?  That you were praised by many in this world?  No, from Heaven none of this will matter.  What will matter is one thing: charity.   The charity we live here and now will radiate from our lives forever in Heaven.  Even if our charity is not seen by others, it will be seen in Heaven.  Charity is the result of a life lived fully surrendered to Christ. Reflect, today, upon the ultimate goal of getting to Heaven and look at the fact that daily acts of charity are the road to this goal.  Is this your focus in life?  If not, look at your priorities and recommit yourself to this eternal calling.  Lord, I desire to be with You forever in Heaven.  Help me to keep eternity as my ultimate focus in life.  Help me to build a glorious life in Heaven through the charity I live now.  Jesus, I trust in You.

The Gratuitous Gift of Our Blessed Mother

Wednesday, December 8, 2021 Solemnity of Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary Readings for Today

Video Mary said, “Behold, I am the handmaid of the Lord. May it be done to me according to your word.”  Luke 1:38a Happy Solemnity!  This is a day to celebrate!  Today, we honor the glorious and miraculous Immaculate Conception of our Blessed Mother, an act of God’s most profound mercy. It is fitting that we see the Immaculate Conception as an act of profound mercy. Why is that so? What is it about this solemnity that is so closely linked to mercy? Mercy is a gratuitous gift of God.  By “gratuitous” we mean that it is not merited or earned.  Mercy is not owed to us by God.  If it were, it would not be mercy, it would be our right.  But we have no right to mercy.  It is freely given by God and it is given in abundance. As for this glorious Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception, it’s important to look at it as a gratuitous gift from two perspectives.  First, the “Immaculate Conception” means that when God created the Blessed Virgin Mary, He created her without sin.  This was done through what we call a prevenient grace.  This grace given her is an act of God’s perfect and gratuitous mercy.  She did not earn it or merit it; rather, God in His goodness chose to create her without original sin so as to have a suitable instrument by which the Son could come into the world.  Mary, for her part, embraced this gift and chose to remain sinless throughout her life by a continual act of her free will.   Second, in creating our Blessed Mother immaculately, God did not keep her to Himself.  He was not selfish with her. Instead, He chose to make this perfection of His creation our own mother.  The Immaculate Mother Mary is now our spiritual mother in the order of God’s grace and mercy.  This, also, is an act of perfect gratuitous mercy on the part of our loving God.  We do not deserve such a spiritual mother and protectress, but we have her and she is always there interceding for us and bestowing many graces from God upon us as a perfect mother would.   Reflect, today, upon this twofold gratuitous gift of God’s mercy: 1) He created Mary Immaculate out of mercy, and 2) He gave her to us as our own mother and queen.  Seek her motherly care today and throughout the year! Dearest Mother my Queen, I gaze upon the beauty and holiness of you who, though a mere creature, are perfect in every way. You have been granted this singular and gratuitous grace from God with which you perfectly cooperated.  May I always rely upon your motherly love and care and may I always allow you to bestow the grace of God upon me in accord with the Father’s plan.  You, dearest mother, are a gratuitous gift of Mercy to us all!  Mother Mary, I love you. Pray for me.  Jesus, I trust in You.

God Never Gives Up on You

December 7, 2021 Tuesday of the Second Week of Advent  Readings for Today Saint Ambrose, Bishop and Doctor—Memorial

Video “In just the same way, it is not the will of your heavenly Father that one of these little ones be lost.”  Matthew 18:14 Jesus makes this statement after telling the parable of the one lost sheep.  The shepherd leaves the ninety-nine and goes searching diligently for that little one.  The parable goes on to state that, “If he finds it, amen, I say to you, he rejoices more over it than over the ninety-nine that did not stray” (Matthew 18:13). We are all “one of these little ones.”  At first, it may seem unfair that the shepherd rejoices more over the one lost sheep than over the ninety-nine.  But if we understand that each and every one of us is that one lost sheep, it makes sense. As we ponder this parable, it’s essential that we reflect upon the deep desire of the shepherd to find us.  We must look at his concern, his tireless effort and his diligence in seeking us out.  This is the care God has for you. Reflect, today, upon you being that one lost sheep.  Being “lost” in our sin is not a pleasant experience.  Sin brings fear, despair, confusion, anger and the like.  But if we can turn our eyes to the Good Shepherd in the midst of our sinfulness, we will regain hope.  We will regain hope that our God cares for us so much that He will never stop searching for us.  And when He finds us, His heart will be filled with the greatest joy! Lord, in the midst of my sinfulness and confusion I turn to You.  I trust that You will seek me out.  May I always trust in Your burning love for me.  Jesus, I trust in You.

Astonishment at the Mercy of God

December 6, 2021 Monday of the Second Week of Advent Readings for Today Saint Nicholas, Bishop—Optional Memorial

Video Then astonishment seized them all and they glorified God, and, struck with awe, they said, “We have seen incredible things today.”  Luke 5:26 They were “astonished” because Jesus cured the paralytic after he was lowered through the roof of a house in which Jesus was teaching.  Jesus cured him and they were amazed. But this was not what amazed and astonished people the most.  What was most astonishing was that Jesus also said to the paralytic, “As for you, your sins are forgiven” (Luke 5:20).  Jesus then confirmed that He had the power to forgive sins by performing this physical miracle. True, most people went home that day speaking first about the physical healing.  But you can be certain that, as they pondered this experience, they were even more deeply moved by the forgiveness of sins.  Perhaps they did not fully understand what this all meant.  But, nonetheless, His words of forgiveness were quite powerful and transforming. Reflect, today, upon your desire to receive God’s forgiveness in your life.  Do you long to hear these words spoken to you?  Do you long to experience the mercy and forgiveness of Jesus in your life?  The reason He came from Heaven to Earth was to offer you the forgiveness of your sins.  Miracles do not matter in the end.  What matters is mercy and forgiveness.  When you receive this gift of His mercy you will also glorify God with a joyous and holy astonishment as you see this incredible gift unfold in your life. Lord, I do desire Your mercy and forgiveness in my life.  Help me to lower myself before You so that I can hear You say, ‘Your sins are forgiven.’  Jesus, I trust in You.

Humility Prepares the Way for Christ

December 5, 2021 Second Sunday of Advent (Year C) Readings for Today

Video “A voice of one crying out in the desert.  ‘Prepare the way of the Lord, make straight his paths.’”  Luke 3:4 On this, the Second Sunday of Advent, we are given the person of St. John the Baptist to ponder.  What a gift he is!  Jesus Himself stated that “among those born of women there has been none greater than John the Baptist” (Matthew 11:11).  What a compliment! What is it that made John so great?  We can point to two things in particular.  The first has to do with his calling and the second has to do with his virtue. First of all, John was great because he was the transition from the Old Testament Prophets to the New Testament.  He was the bridge that prepared for the new life to come.  His unique mission makes him truly great. But John was great not only because of his unique calling, he was also great because of the virtue he had in his life.  And it is this gift that is worth pondering for our own inspiration more than any other. The particular virtue that John had was that of humility.  He saw himself as nothing other than a “voice of one crying out in the desert.”  And the Word he spoke was Jesus.   John acknowledged that he was not even worthy to stoop down and untie the sandal straps of Jesus (Mark 1:7).  He was praised by many and followed by many and yet he continuously said of Jesus that “He must increase and I must decrease” (John 3:30).  John was not in it for praise and honor; rather, his mission was to point everyone to the Savior of the World.  He could have sought the honor and praise of many and he would have certainly received it.  They may have even made him king.  But John was more than willing to fulfill his mission and then submit himself to the cruel sword of his executioner.  His humility was such that he was focused only on Jesus and desired only to point to Him. Reflect, today, upon this humility in your own life.  Do you tend to point to yourself or to Christ?  Do you seek the praise of others or do you humbly point all praise and glory to God?  Humility is the path that St. John the Baptist took and it’s the path we must strive for each and every day. Lord, thank You for the gift of St. John the Baptist.  May his witness of humility inspire me in my Christian walk.  Help me, Lord, to always point others to You rather than to myself.  Jesus, I trust in You.

The Gift of God

December 4, 2021 Saturday of the First Week of Advent Readings for Today Saint John Damascene, Priest, Religious and Doctor—Optional Memorial

Video “Without cost you have received; without cost you are to give.” Matthew 10:8b What is it that we have received “without cost?”  Well, we have received every good thing for free.  It’s true!  All that is good is a gift from God.  And it’s a free gift from Him.  There is nothing we can do to earn His blessings in our lives.  Do you believe that? The above Scripture quote is part of Jesus’ exhortation to His Twelve Apostles as He sends them out to preach, heal and cast out demons in His name.  He reminds them that all they have received from Him is a free gift and that they must, in turn, give the Gospel free of charge to everyone. Advent is a time when we should especially focus upon the coming celebration of the Gift of Christmas.  Christmas is a time when we give and receive gifts, but it’s important to understand the difference between a “gift” and a “present.”  A present is something that is expected.  For example, your spouse or child expects a present on their birthday or on Christmas.  But a gift is something that is much more.  A gift is something that is freely given, unearned and undeserved.  It’s given out of love with no strings attached.  This is what the Incarnation is all about. Advent must be a time when we ponder the truth that God came to Earth to give us Himself in an unmerited and free way.  His life is a totally free Gift to us and is the greatest Gift we have ever received.  In turn, Advent must be a time when we also reflect upon our calling to bring the Gift of Christ Jesus to others.   Reflect, today, upon the giving and receiving of Jesus in your life.  Let your heart be filled with gratitude this Advent so that you, in turn, can give the Gift of Jesus to others. Lord, thank You for the Gift of Your life.  Thank You for coming to Earth to enter into my life.  Thank You for the joy of knowing You and loving You.  May I allow this joy to so transform my life that I may continually seek to give You to others.  Jesus, I trust in You.

I Want to See

December 3, 2021 Friday of the First Week of Advent Readings for Today Saint Francis Xavier, Priest—Memorial

Video “Let it be done for you according to your faith.” And their eyes were opened. Jesus warned them sternly, “See that no one knows about this.”  But they went out and spread word of him through all that land.  Matthew 9:29b–31 This statement from Jesus is directed to two blind men who come to Him, beg for mercy and healing, believe in faith that Jesus will heal, and then are healed.  But what’s quite fascinating is that Jesus tells them not to speak about their healing to others.  Why would He say this? First of all, the request of Jesus would have been impossible to follow.  Everyone who knew these blind men would have known they were blind.  And then, out of the blue, they could see.  How could such a thing be contained? Jesus most certainly knew that they could not contain such a miracle but, nonetheless, spoke these words to these men.  To understand why Jesus said this we must understand the motive He had for healing them. Jesus’ healing of these men was done purely out of love for them.  They cried out for mercy and Jesus wanted to offer mercy.  He did not do it as a way of gaining public praise or notoriety.  He did it out of love for these blind men. He also did this miracle to teach that He can heal the blindness of our hearts.  He wanted these men to come to faith in Him and “see” Him for who He was.  Therefore, this miracle was something deeply personal and was done out of concern for these two men to strengthen their faith. What’s interesting to note, however, is that these men could not contain the joy they had at receiving this gift from our Lord.  They had to cry out in gratitude and share their story.  We can be certain that Jesus was not offended at this but saw it as a necessary result of their faith. How about you?  Do you see God at work in your life and then seek to spread the joy of His work in your life?  Do you regularly witness to His action and healing?  Do you seek to allow others to see all that God has done for you? Reflect, today, upon the joy in the hearts of these blind men at their healing.  And ponder your own joy at God’s activity in your life.  If your joy is not overflowing, perhaps it’s a good day to ask the Lord, with a deep faith, to help you see! Lord, do help me to see and help me to share the joy of seeing You with others.  May that joy flow from my life for all to see.  Jesus, I trust in You.

Listen, Understand, Act

December 2, 2021 Thursday of the First Week of Advent Readings for Today

Video “Everyone who listens to these words of mine and acts on them will be like a wise man who built his house on rock.  The rain fell, the floods came, and the winds blew and buffeted the house.  But it did not collapse; it had been set solidly on rock.”  Matthew 7:24–25 Perhaps one of the hardest things to do in life is to listen.  Are you a good listener?  Do you know how to listen?  Most likely this is a struggle for you since it is a struggle for most people.   Listening is more than hearing.  Listening implies that one hears AND comprehends.  Furthermore, in this Scripture passage, Jesus makes it clear that “listening” is not enough.  Once we’ve listened (heard and understood), we must act.  Acting on the Word of God involves a total embrace and surrender to His Word and will.  It means you allow the Word of God to dictate your actions and to set your feet “solidly on rock.” The imagery Jesus uses is quite descriptive.  A house built on sand is very different than a house built on solid rock.  One can only imagine the problems that await a house built on sand.  Every storm that comes will cause great anxiety and worry.  Fear will always be present as the sandy foundation slowly erodes away.  But if the house is on solid rock, there is great confidence in the midst of a storm. Reflect, today, upon the foundation of your life.  Advent is a time when we examine whether or not the foundation of our life is Jesus.  He entered our world and took on flesh so that He could be that rock foundation.  And the path to that rock foundation is to listen, comprehend and act.  Set your “house” on Him in this way and no storm will erode the foundation of your life. Lord, may your human life become the foundation of my life.  May my life be built upon You who are the Rock Foundation.  Jesus, I trust in You.

Jesus Cares About the Details

December 1, 2021 Wednesday of the First Week of Advent Readings for Today

Video Jesus summoned his disciples and said, “My heart is moved with pity for the crowd, for they have been with me now for three days and have nothing to eat.  I do not want to send them away hungry, for fear they may collapse on the way.”   Matthew 15:32 The first thing this passage reveals could easily be missed.  It reveals Jesus’ deep concern for the crowds of people.  He not only cared for their souls, He also cared for their bodies in that He did not want them to go away hungry.  This reveals Jesus’ total care for His followers. We know the rest of the story.  Jesus multiplies the loaves and fish and feeds the multitude.  And though this is an incredible miracle on a physical level, it is just as miraculous on a personal and spiritual level. Personally speaking, the miracle is that God, the Almighty, the Omnipotent One is deeply concerned about the small detail of feeding the crowd their next meal.  This reveals that God is not only concerned for our eternal salvation, He is also concerned about our daily needs. Note that the passage quotes Jesus as saying, “My heart is moved with pity for the crowd…”  And “I do not want to send them away hungry…”  This very personal and human concern of Jesus should offer us great comfort in knowing that His care is deep and exhaustive.   The concern Jesus has for the physical need of food for His followers also points to His spiritual concern for His followers’ souls.  If He cares this much about the body, He cares all the more for the soul and deeply desires to nourish their souls with the food of eternal life. Reflect, today, upon Jesus’ deep and all-consuming care for you.  Know that there is no detail of your life that escapes His notice.  Though that may be hard to believe at times, know that it is absolutely true! Surrender all to Him in trust and know that He is there to reach out to you in your every need. Lord, thank You for Your unfailing and perfect concern for every detail of my life.  Thank You for Your perfect attentiveness to my needs.  May I always trust in Your perfect care for me and surrender to Your loving providence.  Jesus, I trust in You.