Advent Online
Starting December 3, 2023
We hope these daily reflections and prayers throughout Advent and for Christmas Day will bring you great calmness and peace as we prepare for the celebration of God’s Word made flesh continuously in our midst. As we walk these days together, may the spirit of St. Francis bring us and our world to a greater peace and our lives closer to God.
REFLECTIONS COMING SOON
25
Monday
DECEMBER
TODAY'S REFLECTION
Merry Christmas! How does this Christmas find you? A spiritual director once startled me by asking if I found God too much or too little or just enough. I was startled by the question, but as I think about the Christ-gift, I see all those responses in the shepherds and sometimes in myself. At midnight Mass we hear that the glory of the Lord shone around the shepherds., frightening them. Such light is gift and challenge, demanding openness and transformation. No wonder the angel urged the shepherds not to be afraid. Such intimacy with our God can be overwhelming. In the gospel reading at the early morning Mass, we continue the story of the shepherds, hearing how the shepherds hastened to Bethlehem, finding the promised sign—the tiny, swaddled infant lying in a manger. Who can resist a baby? Who could not be awed and quieted by the humility of God who became so small for our sake? Telling Mary and the others of the angel’s message, the shepherds seem confident and comfortable finding themselves transformed into early evangelists.
Before each of us goes to bed tonight, let us pray for all who have been using these reflections. May your Christmas season and the coming year be grace-full.
24
Sunday
DECEMBER
TODAY'S REFLECTION
After what seemed a long wait, we have arrived at the fourth Sunday of Advent, which is also Christmas Eve. We light the fourth candle of the Advent wreath for the first and last time. Christmas is almost here and some of us are not caught up with our to-do lists. Perhaps, that is the way it always is. God catches us up, as he did David. Living in a house of cedar while the Ark of the Covenant remained in a tent, David had planned to build a more suitable structure, but God had another idea, Reminding David that God had long protected David, God promised to continue to be with David and his descendants. In these last hours of Advent take some moments to consider how God has been with you throughout your life. The good times and the difficult moments are all part of your personal salvation history and part of our church story, for we are all one with one another and with our God, who is called Emmanuel–God with us.
23
Saturday
DECEMBER
TODAY'S REFLECTION
In today’s gospel we read of the birth and the naming of John. The moment Zechariah indicates in writing that the child should be called John he is once again able to speak, as the angel had promised. Those who have come to celebrate the naming of the child are amazed at all that has happened and wonder what the child will be as he grows up. Of course, we know that the child will be known as John the Baptist, the last prophet, who will announce the coming of Jesus, the long-awaited Messiah. In your prayer today remember all children, especially those suffering the effects of war and other trauma.
22
Friday
DECEMBER
TODAY'S REFLECTION
From the 17th through the 24th of December, one of the O Antiphons is invoked as part of the verse before the Gospel and again in evening prayer as the antiphon before the Magnificat. Each verse of the Advent hymn O Come, O Come Emmanuel begins with one of the antiphons. In today’s gospel verse, we pray, “O King of all nations and keystone of the Church: come and save man, whom you formed from the dust!” Pray for our Church that the work on synodality that sparked conversations and great energy in parishes and dioceses throughout the world might be a source of renewal and unity.
21
Thursday
DECEMBER
TODAY'S REFLECTION
What expressions of joy and amazement we find in today’s gospel when Mary visits Elizabeth, each woman filled with the wonder of her own and her cousin’s extraordinary pregnancy. After exclaiming that she felt her child move in her womb at the sound of Mary’s voice, Elizabeth affirms Mary’s faith, saying, “Blessed are you who believed that what was spoken to you by the Lord would be fulfilled” (Lk.1:45). Who or what strengthens your faith? What tests it? Ask God to deepen your faith.
20
Wednesday
DECEMBER
TODAY'S REFLECTION
In today’s gospel we hear the story of the Annunciation: God’s plan, Mary’s yes and the assurance that the promise to send the Messiah will, at last, be fulfilled through the overshadowing action of the Holy Spirit. How does the Holy Spirit figure in your awareness and in your prayer life? We most often think of the Holy Spirit as coming on the disciples on Pentecost, gifting them with courage to preach the Good News of Jesus or acting in the sacraments, especially Baptism and Confirmation, but the Spirit acts in us each day, helping us to pray, giving us encouragement and comfort. Before you go to bed tonight, ask the Holy Spirit to remind you of the blessings of the day.
19
Tuesday
DECEMBER
TODAY'S REFLECTION
If you have been keeping an Advent calendar, the windows are almost all opened, each revealing a different picture related to Christmas. Sometimes opening one window each day is enough of a daily surprise to keep children from asking about gifts they might receive. In today’s gospel, the angel Gabriel tells Zechariah that he and his aged wife will have the gift of the child they have longed for. However, Zechariah doubts the angel and so he is told he will not be able to speak until after the child is born and the entire prophecy fulfilled. Think of a time when you were awe-struck and perhaps so overcome by emotion that you were temporarily silenced, not in punishment, but in wonder. Spend some time recalling that experience and say a prayer of gratitude for that graced occasion.
18
Monday
DECEMBER
TODAY'S REFLECTION
Today’s gospel recounts the story of Joseph’s dream in which an angel tells him to take Mary as his wife. I often wonder if Joseph was able to get any sleep that night. He must have wondered what it would be like to provide for Mary and her extraordinary child. Few of us will have angel dreams, but you might have other dreams. There might be a skill you’ve always wanted to learn, a talent you recognized but never had time to develop. Perhaps you have been thinking about a friend with whom you’ve lost touch. Listen to your heart; that is where you learn God’s dreams for you.
17
Sunday
DECEMBER
TODAY'S REFLECTION
The tone of today’s first reading is exuberant and celebratory; the imagery is tender and intimate. Isaiah writes that God “has clothed me with a robe of salvation and wrapped me in a mantle of justice, like a bridegroom adorned with a diadem, like a bride bedecked with her jewels.” How different this is from the Genesis account of God’s clothing Adam and Eve to cover their shame though both accounts show the unwavering love of God for those created in God’s own image and likeness. Spend some quiet time today thinking about your trust and faith in God and how God has entrusted you with talents, gifts, friends, authority and responsibility.
16
Saturday
DECEMBER
TODAY'S REFLECTION
Today’s responsorial psalm sounds eager, almost impatient for the appearance of the messiah: “O shepherd of Israel, hearken, from your throne upon the cherubim, shine forth. Rouse your power. Once again, O Lord of hosts, look down from heaven, and see; take care of this vine, and protect what your right hand has planted the son of man whom you yourself made strong” (Ps. 80:2, 15). Like the psalmist, we use many titles to address God. Pope Francis has called Jesus “the face of the Father’s mercy.” Spend some time today thinking of the ways you address God in your prayer. What qualities of God do the titles suggest? Consider how God addresses you. Does God call you by name or, perhaps, a nickname or relationship like son or daughter?
15
Friday
DECEMBER
TODAY'S REFLECTION
Small children often play with the figures in the nativity scene, arranging and rearranging the people and animals as a way to pass the time and to enter into the story. As Jesus points out, adults can be dismayed when God does not act according to our standards and expectations: “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.’ But wisdom is vindicated by her works.” (Mt. 11:19). As you go about your day, ask yourself if there are some people you pass who would not be welcomed at your table, but would be Jesus’ honored companions. Pray for those people and pray for the grace to develop a more welcoming heart. The table of the Lord is open to all; it is breadline and banquet, sustenance and abundance.
14
Thursday
DECEMBER
TODAY'S REFLECTION
In today’s Gospel Jesus praises John the Baptist for his fidelity and, since there was a belief that Elijah would return before the Messiah came, Jesus states: “All the prophets and the law prophesied up to the time of John. And if you are willing to accept it, he is Elijah, the one who is to come. Whoever has ears ought to hear” (Mt 11:13-15). Pray for the people who have helped you come to know and love Jesus and who have challenged you to help build the kingdom of justice and peace.
13
Wednesday
DECEMBER
TODAY'S REFLECTION
While we most often think of Advent as a time to prepare for the Christmas celebration, the season also reminds us that Christ will come again at the end of time. In one of his many unverifiable stories, my father told me that this was the purpose of our angel chimes. Propelled by the heat of candles, the brass angels made tiny ringing sounds until the candles burned down or, more often, my mother grew weary of the sound and blew out the flames. Today’s reading from Isaiah reminds us to call on the Lord to renew our strength and faith in living out our discipleship. The prophet first questions us: “Do you not know or have you not heard? The Lord is the eternal God, creator of the ends of the earth. He does not faint nor grow weary, and his knowledge is beyond scrutiny” (Is. 40:28-29). The reading concludes with the reassurance that “They that hope in the Lord will renew their strength, they will soar as with eagles’ wings; they will run and not grow weary, walk and not grow faint” (Is. 40:31). Give thanks to God for the many ways he has strengthened you and continues to care for you.
12
Tuesday
DECEMBER
TODAY'S REFLECTION
This feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe, patroness of the Americas, commemorates the appearance of Mary to Juan Diego, an Indian convert to Catholicism. Adopting the dress of a pregnant Aztec princess, Mary reminds us of Jesus’ command to his disciples to spread the Good News of our God to all nations. Let us pray for the Americas, for all of our nations, particularly the United States which at times seems so divided. Let us also pray for the indigenous people and others who have been marginalized. Finally, let us ask that the Holy Spirit guide our civic authorities, citizens and residents that we work together for the common good. We can make this prayer with confidence and hope since, as the angel reminded Mary, “Nothing is impossible with God.”
11
Monday
DECEMBER
TODAY'S REFLECTION
At the beginning of his public ministry, Christ announced his mission as preaching the good news, healing the sick and setting the captive free. In today’s gospel we see all three elements of Jesus’ mission in the familiar story of the paralyzed man lowered through the roof by his friends because of the crowds. Jesus tells the man his sins are forgiven, a statement that shocks the crowd since, as they say, only God can forgive sins. The young man might also have been shocked and possibly disappointed because many people believed that physical illness or disability was the result of sin. Challenging the crowd to believe, Jesus then heals the man and tells him to take up his mat and walk. Healed. forgiven, freed from fear and shame, the young man models our Advent prayer. When we bring ourselves to God, we may not be cured, meaning our physical ailments or life circumstances may not be reversed, but we will be healed, freed of fear and shame and confident in the companionship of our loving Lord.
10
Sunday
DECEMBER
TODAY'S REFLECTION
Our Advent wreath grows brighter with the lighting of the second candle and we marvel at the mystery of God who is both strong and gentle as we read in Isaiah 40: Here comes with power
the Lord God, who rules by his strong arm; here is his reward with him, his recompense before him. Like a shepherd he feeds his flock; in his arms he gathers the lambs, carrying them in his bosom, and leading the ewes with care. (Is. 40:10-11) Consider how God carries us and also hands over to us God’s very self each time we receive the Eucharist. Spend some prayer time thinking about how your experience of the Eucharist has developed since you first received Communion. Give thanks for the many ways God enters your life.
9
Saturday
DECEMBER
TODAY'S REFLECTION
In today’s first reading Isaiah anticipates the intimacy with God that we experience because of the Incarnation: “No longer will your Teacher hide himself, but with your own eyes you shall see your Teacher…” (Is.30:20) What image from the Christmas narrative or what lines from scripture or a favorite Christmas carol or Advent hymn most touch you? If, on the other hand, your memories of Christmas past are difficult or if you have experienced a recent loss, spend some time discussing your experiences and feelings with Mary. She must have worried about the dangers on the road to Bethlehem, must have wished her women friends were nearby to help with the birth and celebrate afterwards.
8
Friday
DECEMBER
TODAY'S REFLECTION
On this feast of the Immaculate Conception, we recall how in preparation for her role as mother of Jesus, God spared Mary the burden of original sin. Today’s reading from Ephesians reminds us that like Mary each of us is loved and chosen to play a part in God’s plan: “In him we were also chosen, destined in accord with the purpose of the One who accomplishes all things according to the intention of his will (Eph. 1:11). Reflecting on the many roles you have played in your parish, your family, your circle of friends, your workplace, recall how God has used you to serve others.
7
Thursday
DECEMBER
TODAY'S REFLECTION
As periods of daylight grow shorter, the ever-increasing Christmas decorations give welcome light and variety to a diminished landscape. In today’s response we pray our gratitude for God giving us messengers and teachers and the gift of divine light: “Blessed is he who comes in the name of the LORD; we bless you from the house of the Lord. The Lord is God, and he has given us light. Take some time today to remember and pray for those who have helped you grow in faith. Reflect on how you share your faith with others through your actions and words” (Psalm 118:26-27).
6
Wednesday
DECEMBER
TODAY'S REFLECTION
Do your gift receiving skills need an upgrade? Saint Nicholas, a 4th century bishop is said to have placed gold coins in socks that were hanging on a clothesline so that a father would have dowry for his three daughters, giving us the tradition of Christmas stockings. Filling stockings requires planning to fill the toe, to protect the more fragile goodies, to make sure the smallest offerings do not get lost. Take some time to reflect on the gifts—the possessions, talents, skills and companions God has given you. What’s underused or unrecognized? When someone offers you help, do you accept the kindness or do you feel you are being judged as less than capable or underappreciated? Today’s gospel tells of Jesus feeding the crowd with a few loaves of bread and some fish. In God’s abundant mercy and love, we are called to be gracious in giving and receiving.
5
Tuesday
DECEMBER
TODAY'S REFLECTION
In today’s gospel we hear Jesus say that truth has been revealed not to the wise but to those who are childlike. Committed to our schedules and responsibilities, we might consider being childlike an impossible task, but faith demands wonder and trust, which we develop through prayer. Whether you pray the rosary or a Hail Mary or Our Father or read scripture or present to God your gratitude and your needs, you recall God’s story in history and in your life. In our daily telling and our listening, like children playing peek-a-boo, we come to know we are precious in the eyes of our God who never looks away.
4
Monday
DECEMBER
TODAY'S REFLECTION
Isaiah envisioned a time of peace when: “They shall beat their swords into plowshares and their spears into pruning hooks; One nation shall not raise the sword against another, nor shall they train for war again” (Is.2:4).
Given ongoing reports of war and violence, we sense the urgency and the challenges of this vision. Nonetheless, Christ has given us peace and called us to be peacemakers. As we pray for world peace, let us think about how we use words. Are our words weapons that hurt, shut out or judge or are they instruments of welcome and encouragement?
3
Sunday
DECEMBER
TODAY'S REFLECTION
“Oh, that you would rend the heavens and come down with the mountains quaking before you…” (Is.64:19) As Advent begins, we share Isaiah’s longing to be close to God who in the Incarnation came to us not with the roar of earthquakes but with an infant’s cry.
As we light the first candle of the Advent wreath, let us pray that our eyes, ears and hearts be open to recognize the many ways God comes into our lives.
Reflections By Fran McManus, RSM
Welcome to our Advent reflections. While each reflection draws on the readings of the day’s liturgy, there are occasional references to Christmas customs. As you prepare for Christmas, include in your reflections the memories, the people and the emotions that come to mind as you bake or decorate or wrap gifts. These are part of your salvation history, graces from our God. May Advent bring you abundant blessings. – Fran McManus, RSM
Fran McManus, RSM, is a member of the Institute of the Sisters of Mercy of the Americas. She teaches literature and poetry writing in the Adult Education Program of St. Francis of Assisi Church.
Her poems have appeared in Re: A Journal of Ideas https://reideasjournal.com/sisterfranpoems and in The New York Writers Coalition Journal https://nywriterscoalition.org/journal/11357/12.