• March For Life, Washington, DC Friday January 19, 2024.
• March For Life, Trenton, New Jersey, Thursday September 26, 2024.

Please clear your work schedule to attend these events. March For Life-Trenton replaces New Jersey Right To Life rallies of the past in January and June, and is fully supporting the new Trenton March For Life event.  
 

Luke’s gospel story of Mary being chosen by God is one of the most powerful gospel stories we are told. Mary says Yes to God. Mary has the courage to say yes to God, even though she is unsure and scared. Mary chooses good over evil. However, the biggest impact to me in reading this Gospel is Mary’s overriding faith.

Advent is a time of anticipation and joy that our Lord and Savior is coming. It is because Mary says yes to God that God’s only Son comes down to earth to be with us. Mary is the only human being without sin and the Mother of our church, as well as an amazing role model to all of us. The gospel says “Mary was greatly troubled at what the angel said. I am sure Mary was afraid and scared about what she heard from the angel. The Angel said, "Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God.” I can’t begin to imagine what went through Mary’s mind. However, despite all of her fear and uncertainty Mary answers: "Behold, I am the handmaid of the Lord. May it be done to me according to your word." Recall that at that time, an unmarried pregnant woman would likely be stoned to death. Mary does not hesitate, but says yes to God and trusts in Him.

This week’s readings are laden with the spirit of anticipating arrival, new birth and the associated
fears and anxieties that accompany the unknown. I want to reflect on the Saint Paul’s, 1
Thessalonians 5:16-24, reading specifically. Paul’s message goes beyond God entering our world
through Jesus, to what is expected of us because God entered our world through Jesus.

The reading is a brief list of admonitions about some very important expectations in dealing with
the good and evil we encounter. The admonitions are profound yet very practical and, I believe,
very contemporary. Paul directs us:

“Test everything; retain what is good.
Refrain from every kind of evil.

Liturgical Readings - Second Sunday of Advent /USCCB
Reflection:

This Sunday we reflect on Advent readings of hope and God’s timing.  Advent is a perfect time because it is the time for hope. We are being guided by the writers that waiting will give way to hope but we have to wait. In the first reading, Isaiah was instructing the Jewish people who were in exile. The people have lost everything and are feeling defeated and in fear. He tells the people that God will give comfort to his people. “You are my people; the glory of the Lord will be revealed” (The Savior is coming so prepare the way). The people are instructed to wait patiently.

Good morning. Today is the first Sunday of Advent and we begin the path to prepare us for His birth, Christmas.

Our first reading is from the Old Testament honoring God and begging for His return while acknowledging our sinfulness and hardened hearts. I can feel the unwritten weight of this. Sometimes our path seems burdensome and bleak, yet the anticipation of God’s return is so joyous! The author is hopeful and looks to have God find us doing right upon His return. We know the Christmas season is not about gifts and presents, but of love; His love and bringing us into a relationship with God through Jesus. With so many of the current global events and tragedies I find myself questioning things and longing for His return too.

As we enter the Advent season and prepare our hearts for the birth of our Savior, please join SPARK Teen Ministry in our effort to love others as Jesus loves us.  This year we will again be sponsoring our Christmas Toy Drive to benefit the Catholic Family & Community Services-Christmas Blessings Project.  During the weekends of December 2/3 and 9/10, SPARK Teens will be collecting NEW UNWRAPPED toys for children 6 months -17 years old.