December Parish LinC Letter

7 December Second Sunday of Advent


As it is written in Isaiah the prophet: “Behold, I am sending my messenger ahead of you; he will prepare your way. A voice of one crying out in the desert: ‘Prepare the way of the Lord, make straight his paths’” (Mk 1:2-3).

Communion Connection –


The gift of Scripture is one way that God touches us – sending His guidance and reminding us of His love. Today these words of ancient days call to mind that the season of Advent beckons to us to make ourselves ready for yet another most precious gift – God’s holy presence living among us. Such a gift requires something of us – a readiness, preparation, an anticipating heart.

Additional Catholic Resources:
Audio Homily by Fr. Robert Barron Barron HomilyBarron Homily
Order of Carmelites Lectio Carmelite Letio

14 December Third Sunday of Advent

A man named John was sent from God. He came for testimony, to testify to the light, so that all might believe through him. He was not the light, but came to testify to the light. (Jn 1:6-8).

Communion Connection –


John the Baptist shows us the steps to follow so that we might . First, we recognize ourselves as sent out on a mission in this world – sent by God to tell a story. Second, we share a personal experience of Goodness, Truth, and Love. It’s not a story that points to US doing something great – but it’s a story that tells of God doing something great to us in our lives. It’s a story about how our lives are different and better – all because of God - and encountering the Light that He is here at St. Albert. And third – by that very telling, at least one other person we tell will feel called to believe and enter in here.

Additional Catholic Resources:
-Audio Homily by Fr. Robert Barron Barron Homily
Order of Carmelites Lectio Carmelite Lectio



21 December                      4th Sunday of Advent


"Mary said, "Behold, I am the handmaid of the Lord.  May it be done to me according to your word."

(Lk 1:38).

 

Communion Connection –

 

To each of us, as to Mary, God wants to reveal His idea for us: He wants to reveal to us our true identity. He seems to say, “Do you want me to make you and your life into a masterpiece? Then follow the path I will show you and you will become what you have always been in my heart.” But in order for God’s design to be completely fulfilled, God asks for our assent, as He did with Mary. This is the only way to fulfill the word that God has uttered about each of us. So we too, like Mary, are asked to say: “Here am I, the servant of the Lord; let it be done to me according to your word.”


Additional Resources:
Word of Life Audio - Word to Life Focolare
Word on Fire Homily; Barron Homily
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28 December         The Holy Family of Jesus, Mary and Joseph


"Behold, this child is destined for the fall and rise of many in Israel, and to be a sign that will be contradicted - anbd you yourself a sword will pierce - so that the thoughts of many hearts may be revealed." (Lk 2:34-35).

Communion Connection –

 

We see the promises of both Christmas and Easter captured in these Scripture verses. A child is born who is “light” and “glory” for all people; and while suffering lies ahead, it is of the greatest contradiction – because it will lead to our salvation. The Holy Family shows us the power of faith – their trust in God in spite of warnings and challenges gives them the strength to remain steadfast to God’s plan for them. They show us the beauty of freedom in reliance upon the providence of God in our lives and that God’s will is to be our ultimate aim.

Additional Resources:
Audio Homily by Fr. Barron: Barron Homily
-Carmelite Lectio Divina:  Lectio Carmelites