10 December 2011

IC '11

Although a few days late, I did want to post my (extremely-short-for-me) homily for the Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary (8 December). Enjoy!

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Two thousand years ago Eternity stepped into time, and the God of all glory and majesty took on the weakness and brokenness of our human flesh in the Mystery of the Incarnation. Today we come and celebrate one of the final acts of preparation God did so that He could enter our world in such a unique way. The Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary is the “final act”, so to speak, of Salvation History before God’s ultimate interaction with His creation through His Word dwelling among us. The graces Mary received so that she could say “Yes” to the Angel Gabriel are the same graces we receive from the Paschal Mystery – in our celebration of the Mass and, most especially, in our reception of the Eucharist – which allow us to also say “Yes” to God so that we, like Mary, may be able to make Christ present to the world. Our openness to God and His graces afford us the awesome opportunity to be like Mary, always willing to say to the Lord that we are His servants – let it be done to us according to His Word.


O Mary, conceived without sin, pray for us who have recourse to Thee.




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Enjoy the journey . . .

03 December 2011

An Advent Prayer

Last evening, the combined music ministries of Saint Alphonsus Parish and Saint Alexis Parish had their annual evening of Advent Lessons and Carols. I was asked to do the final prayer, and didn't have anything really prepared. But, as always, the Holy Spirit came through. This is what I composed during the event:

Lord Jesus,
You are the Song our lives sing out.
You are the Silence in which our lives yearn for Your peace.
Break through the darkness of the world's night
And shine, once again, the splendor of Your great light into our midst.
For You, we long.
For You, we hope.
For You, we cry out, "Come quickly, King of kings!", for it is in You we find our salvation.
In quiet stillness, our hearts ache for Your presence.
In joyful expectation, we announce Your coming.
Through Your grace and mercy, allow us to prepare our hearts and our lives to celebrate the remembrance of Your Incarnation and the joyful event of Your coming again.
Turn our hearts to hear Your voice.
Turn our faces to see Your glory.
Turn our lives so as to be like You, so that we may be ready to welcome You when You come again.
We ask this, and all things, through Your most glorious Name.
Amen. 



Enjoy the journey . . .