We can make our home like the Father’s house if we make prayer the center in our home and family life. This week, formulate a plan to set aside some time nightly for prayer together, offering thanks and praises to God, asking for the strength to overcome whichever crisis comes your way and affects your family. Then put this praying plan into action, and discover the peace and grace that follows from uniting as a family unit in God.
 
Readings at this Mass: Sir 3:2–6, 12–14 | Col 3:12–21 | Lk 2:41–52

In our world that’s often shrouded in darkness, remember that the incarnation of Christ was the match that changed everything. And despite our own struggles, God can quietly strike a spark in our hearts that ignites hope and light. And our mission is to carry His light into the world. So during this Christmas season, ask yourself: ‘Where can I bring Christ’s light?’ Be that person through whom God can strike a spark that will ignite hope and light to those in darkness.

Joy is deeper than happiness; more enduring. Joy isn’t the absence of sadness or worry. And though it’s found within, it doesn’t come from within. It comes from the love of God within. The Incarnation isn’t just something that happened 2000 years ago. Christ continues to come to us: in His word, in the Eucharist, in the events of our lives. Let Him lead, and you’ll discover His peace. Open your heart to His love, and you’ll know His joy.
 
 

We are called to "rejoice always," and it’s easy to do so when things are good. But when things are bad or dark or depressing or without hope? It's not so easy, and yet at those moments we should praise God all the more - not for the darkness, but so that the light of the world overcomes the darkness. By speaking and proclaiming light into that darkness, we are acting as agents of Christ. No matter our situation, remember to rejoice, for the light will always overcome the darkness.
 
Readings at this Mass: Zep 3:14–18a | Phil 4:4–7 | Lk 3:10–18 

Though none of us can live exactly as Mary did, being immaculately conceived and living without sin, we are called as Catholic Christians to lead a life filled with grace. How do we do that? Attending Mass, receiving the Eucharist, going to confession - all these things help return us to a state of grace.
 
Readings at this Mass: Gn 3:9–15, 20 | Eph 1:3–6, 11–12 | Lk 1:26–38

Each one of us is called to share the good news by imitating John the Baptist to be a missionary, helping others to encounter Christ and to prepare and straighten the paths for God. Joy, peace, suffering, and persecution are parts of any journey, including the journey of faith in God. However, only in the journey of faith in God with our missionary effort can we face suffering and persecutions gracefully on the way toward the eternal peace and joy.
 
Readings at this Mass: Bar 5:1–9 | Phil 1:4–6, 8–11 | Lk 3:1–6

The lesson that Advent holds out to all of us, in the midst of all the purchasing, planning, and frantic activity around us, is patience. Trusting that when life doesn’t look the way we think it should look, God is still in control. Remember: some things can’t be rushed. God has a plan, and if we open our lives to Him and let Him work, He’ll get us where we need to be - even if He doesn’t do it the way we would do it. Advent means remembering how to wait.
 
Readings at this Mass: Jer 33:14-16  |  1 Thes 3:12—4:2  |  Lk 21:25-28, 34-36

What are you thankful for? That’s the question Fr. Bill asks of our Thanksgiving Day Mass attendees, after playing a video that reminds us not to take things for granted. Consider what you are thankful for as you listen to their responses!
 
Readings at this Mass: Sir 50:22-24  |  1 Cor 1:3-9   |  Lk 17:11-19