Advent

When you're struggling with something - including church teachings and dogma, like that of the Immaculate Conception - remember: nothing will be impossible for God.

Why is the world so broken? The short answer is because we've believed the lie that we are not okay as we are; that the life God has given us is not enough. Doubting God, doubting His care and His plan for us, we place our hopes elsewhere and set up new lords in our hearts. And just when those lords have their hooks in us, they turn on us, robbing us of our peace and freedom and leaving us unhappy, disgruntled, unruly captives. Sit with the Lord and ask Him to help you see what attitudes may have captured your heart (click here to read Dcn. Brett's bulletin column on page three for a brief examination of conscience with the seven deadly sins). To what are you held captive? Then, surrender what God shows you and let Him begin the work of healing your heart and restoring your freedom and peace.

Our Advent homily series will focus on the kerygma — the basics of Salvation History. Salvation History is the story of God’s work in his creation, specifically how he interacted and saved us. It's the story of what God has done, is doing, and why. God created us in his image and likeness, to have an eternal soul. Every person is called to live in harmony with God in heaven. As we gaze into the stars, all of humanity find themselves pulled. Whether we realize it or not, we all yearn for that which is beyond this world; God meant us for eternity, and our hearts know it. He created you out of love and with a purpose, and that he will do whatever he can to protect and rescue you so that you may be with Him in eternity.

How do we find God so we can connect with him? God frequently goes out, through the efforts of his creatures, his people, to others with whom he wants to connect. God often makes us his messengers without our even knowing it. God made us to be with him, so it shouldn’t be that hard to find him – but since his ways aren’t our ways, finding and connecting with him has to be our top priority, even when looking for him is the last thing you feel like doing.

Is unquenchable joy possible? Not entirely, but we can get glimpses of it here on earth by getting off of ourselves and giving thanks to God for the work He is doing in the ordinary circumstances of our lives. God is active in each one of our lives, and oftentimes we miss that. God works through even the hardest experiences in our lives specifically to help us grow, to help us be better people and to help make the world a better place. If we can trust in that (which, yes, is hard to do!) it creates a whole new freedom in us and around us.

We are constantly bombarded with messages of fear, outrage, anxiety, and division. It’s easy to turn away and shrink in on ourselves. But God is calling us to be His light in the world. To do that, start practicing gratitude daily, intentionally, faithfully - opening your heart to God so His light can shine forth even brighter.

The season of Advent is an opportunity for us to train ourselves to be spiritually stronger. Do something every day this Advent to focus on the Lord, even if it's just a minute or two, to help redirect you from the traps in our everyday lives.

The Holy Family teaches us to be adaptable; to love each other, even when things don't go as planned, and to grow in that love; and to be open to whomever God sends to be part of our family.