Tag: advent
John the Baptist
He asked for a tablet and wrote, “John is his name,” and all were amazed. – Lk 1:63 John is His name. Oh, little did they know who he was or who he was to become. John the Baptist. The prophet. Jesus’ cousin. And so much more. In this gospel reading, Zechariah, who had not… Read More ›
Visitation
“Blessed are you who believed that what was spoken to you by the Lord would be fulfilled.” – Lk 1:45 Mary is told by the angel Gabriel that her cousin, Elizabeth, in her old age, is also blessed to be with child. Unlike the fearful Zechariah, Mary believed what the angel had told her. And… Read More ›
Do Not Be Afraid
Then the angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God. Behold, you will conceive in your womb and bear a son, and you shall name him Jesus. – Lk 1:30-31 Do not be afraid. I love those words. The hymn “Be Not Afraid” is one of my… Read More ›
Silence
Silence, all people, in the presence of the LORD, who stirs forth from his holy dwelling. – Zec 2:17 I love silence. I crave silence. Especially these days. I am on sick leave from work and I spend a lot of time praying. And reflecting on my life. Now I have time. And I am… Read More ›
Jesus Heals Us
Then astonishment seized them all and they glorified God, and, struck with awe, they said, “We have seen incredible things today.” (Lk 5:26) Are we open every day to seeing incredible things? Do we notice what happens around us throughout our days? Do we see with wonder, like children? Do we pay attention? The men… Read More ›
Heal Me, Lord
Then he touched their eyes and said, “Let it be done for you according to your faith.” – Mt 9:29 What faith these two blind men had. They knew Jesus would heal them, they believed, and they were healed. I am not sure I have that kind of faith. I believe Jesus can heal, but… Read More ›
First Wednesday of Advent
“The Lord God will wipe away the tears from all faces” – Isaiah 25:8 Advent has just begun and I am suffering. Suffering from an illness that seemed to come out of nowhere. It has really knocked me down and out. The love and care of my husband has kept me from despair. The cards and prayers… Read More ›
Dec 19-Dec 23
Mon., December 19, 2016 Judges 13:2-7, 24-25a; Luke 1:5-25 But the angel said to him, “Do not be afraid, Zechariah, because your prayer has been heard. Your wife Elizabeth will bear you a son, and you shall name him John.” – Lk 1:13 Where in my life do I see how God has surprised me?… Read More ›
Emmanuel
Sun., December 18, 2016 Fourth Sunday of Advent “Behold, the virgin shall be with child and bear a son, and they shall name him Emmanuel,” which means “God is with us.” (Mt 1:23) I saw a church sign this week that said – “What’s in a name? Emmanuel, God-is-with-us.” What’s in a name? God loved… Read More ›
Dec. 12-16, 2016
Mon., December 12, 2016 Our Lady of Guadalupe Zechariah 2:14-17 or Revelation 11:19a; 12:1-6a, 10ab; Luke 1:26-38 or Luke 1:39-47 And Mary said: “My soul proclaims the greatness of the Lord; my spirit rejoices in God my savior.” – Lk 1:46-47 Mary rejoices in God’s loving care for the lowly. How might I help someone… Read More ›
Catholic Prayer Life 