A message from Father Pete

For Sunday, December 31, 2023 Genesis 15:1-6; 21:1-36; Hebrews 11:8, 11-12, 17-19; Luke 2:22-40 We have just completed an unusual and very exciting week: Christmas Eve, the fourth Sunday of Advent, and Christmas Day on Monday. Today we are celebrating the feast of the Holy Family of Jesus, Mary, and Joseph, New Year’s Eve; and tomorrow the solemnity of Mary, the Holy Mother of God, New Year’s Day. We have heard multiple readings on the fulfillment of God’s eternal plan for humanity: sending His Son, Jesus, to tell us of the absolute complete love God has for all humanity from the beginning, and the witnessing of that love in Jesus’ life, horrible death and glorious resurrection. No doubt during these days we have had momentary glimmers of God’s love in those around us: from the little ones so excited about their presents and the lights and decorations; the visits and celebrations with families, sharing memories, laughs and loves; and even remembering how blessed we are to have the fami...

Mother Teresa once said: “I used to pray that God would feed the hungry, or do this or that, but now I pray that He will guide me to do whatever I’m supposed to do, what I can do. I used to pray for answers, but now I’m praying for strength. I used to believe that prayer changes things, but now I know that prayer changes us and we change things.” I found this prayer on a card from Pax Christi many years ago: A Prayer to the Holy Spirit Come Spirit of God grant us the power to be gentle, the Strength to be forgiving, the patience to be understanding, the endurance to accept the consequences of holding on to what is right. Come Spirit of God help us to put our trust in the power of good to overcome evil, the power of love to overcome hatred. Come Spirit of God enlighten us with the vision to see and the faith to believe in a world free from violence, a new world where fear will no longer lead us to commit injustices, nor selfishness cause us to bring suffering to others. Come Spirit of...

For Sunday, December 17, 2023 Isaiah 61:1-2, 10-11; 1 Thessalonians 5:16-24; John 1:6-8, 19-28 At the midpoint of Advent today, we celebrate Gaudete — Rejoice Sunday. We might be saying, “There’s no way I can be  ready for Christmas — so much shopping to do — decorating — just getting myself in the right mode — a joyful mood, and I’m far from it.” Rejoice Sunday ... Paul urges us, “Rejoice always.” Isaiah blurts out, “I rejoice heartily in the Lord.” The vestments are rose-colored: a cheerful color, because the Lord is near. If we take a moment to look at John the Baptist, understanding what kind of person he is — and what kind of person he isn’t — we can see who he truly is. His life is for one purpose: announcing God’s plan, hidden for all ages: the Messiah … the Christ … Jesus … God Himself has arrived. The people know John is different: “I am not the Christ … or Elijah returned from God … or the Prophet … so who are you? “I am the voice of one crying out in the desert, make st...

For Sunday, December 10, 2023 Isaiah 40:1-5, 9-11; 2 Peter 3:8-14; Mark 1:1-8 What is going on around us? Have you heard what is happening? If I was asked these questions today I would think of the crisis in Israel with Hamas and Gaza … or the war between Russia and Ukraine … or the political uncertainty in our own country, trying to discover who will bring us through these troubling times. Or maybe about the political disturbances in other areas of the world … or the climate crisis … or with the severe possibility of Covid returning in a fearsome display of sickness and death. Our readings today reveal the questions that were disturbing people in the then much smaller occupied and developed world of antiquity — regions being controlled by strong military nations infected with the need to be richer and more powerful, acquiring more land and people and natural resources. But something much bigger loomed in front of these concerns: the promise, albeit with confusing predictions, of a “sa...

For Sunday, December 3, 2023 Isaiah 63:16-17, 19; 64: 2-7; 1 Corinthians 1: 3-9, Mark 13:33-37 Today we begin the HOLY season. Why do I call it Holy? First, “advent” comes from the Latin word “adventus,” meaning “coming.” It is the preparation period for the celebration of the birth of Jesus at Christmas as well as a preparation for the Second Coming of Christ. It has four weekly themes: Hope, Joy, Peace and Love. We don’t spend time with these reflection points every week. Take time this year to see that Advent NOT ONLY is a time for shopping, decorating the Christmas home and tree, enjoying parties and singing Christmas carols; it ALSO is a time to remember Jesus’ coming into the world close to 2,030 years ago — AND to prepare and allow Jesus to come into our hearts and lives today — AND to wait for Jesus to come again at the end of time and our lives. So why is it holy? It presents a challenge not only to do good things for others, but also to see Christ first in others. Chri...