My sisters and brothers,
Come, Lord Jesus Christ!
As we continue our Advent journey, our parish retreat with Br. Jeff reminded us of the transforming power of God’s Word, inviting us to embrace the acronym WORD—Welcome, Obey, Receive, and Do—as our guide for the season. Advent calls us to welcome the Word by making space for God amid the noise and rush of December, allowing the surprising grace that visited Mary and the shepherds to visit us as well. We are invited to obey the Word through small but courageous acts of faith that move us from intention to action. We are encouraged to receive the Word deeply, letting God’s love take root where fear and self-reliance often linger. Finally, we are sent forth to do the Word—living our discipleship through mercy, justice, and love. In this way, our parish prepares not only to celebrate Christ’s birth, but to become a place where His presence is made visible each day.
This call to a living faith resonates beautifully with the promise of Isaiah 11, where the humble “shoot shall come out from the stump of Jesse” announces that God brings life from what seems lost. Christ, who comes in humility, carries the fullness of the Spirit—wisdom, understanding, counsel, fortitude, knowledge, and holy fear—gifts given to us in Baptism so we may reflect His light in the world. Isaiah’s vision of a kingdom of peace and justice challenges us to stand with the poor, to work for righteousness, and to build harmony in our families, parish, and society. In Romans 15, St. Paul reminds us that the Scripture were given to strengthen our hope and to form us into a community of encouragement, unity, and welcome. As Jesus has welcomed us, so we are called to welcome one another—with patience, generosity, and hearts willing to be reconciled.
Finally, the Gospel calls us to hear the urgent voice of John the Baptist, summoning us to sincere repentance and to bear good fruit. Advent is not a passive waiting but an active preparation—a clearing of obstacles, a renewing of commitments, a deepening of prayer. John reminds us that true conversion leads to visible change, and that the One who comes baptizes with the Holy Spirit and fire, purifying and renewing all who turn to Him. May this advent season renew our desire to live THE WORD ~ with deeper faith, so that together we may prepare the way of the Lord Jesus in our hearts and in our parish community. Amen
God Loves You!
~ Fr. NEIL