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Showing posts with label Advent 2016. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Advent 2016. Show all posts

Saturday, December 24, 2016

December 24 - Saturday of the Fourth Week of Advent

The Canticle of Zechariah

The Gospel reading for today, is sometimes called the “canticle of Zechariah.” The father of John the Baptist, Zechariah and his wife, Elizabeth, have quite the back story. Earlier in Luke, the angel Gabriel appeared to Zechariah, announcing that he and Elizabeth would soon have a son, and they would call him John. Astonished, Zechariah questioned Gabriel, because both he and Elizabeth were advanced in years. In fact, Elizabeth was post-menopausal! I do not blame Zechariah one bit for doubting Gabriel. But, because Zechariah did not immediately believe, Gabriel rendered him mute (speechless) for about 9 months. 

How devastating this must have been for Zechariah, who, as a priest, was not able to preach during this time. I can relate to Zechariah’s plight. As a Cathedral singer, I would have been absolutely shattered if this happened to me. Would my reaction be as gracious as Zechariah’s? Although he must have been frightened, and frustrated, Zechariah put his faith in God, and persevered in doing the Lord’s will. 

When the baby arrived, Zechariah was still mute. But, when he and Elizabeth named the baby “John,” immediately Zechariah was able to speak. Zechariah’s “canticle,” follows, in which Zechariah blesses God, welcomes the Savior, prophesizes his son John’s role in the salvation narrative. Zechariah’s actions remind me to be grateful for the plan God sets before me, even though that plan might be different than my own. He reminds me to say “yes” to God.

Dr. Christine E. Lawless 
Cathedral Singers 
HNC small group facilitator

Friday, December 23, 2016

December 23 - Friday of the Fourth Week of Advent

Trust, for He Keeps His Promises

Elizabeth knew her son had a great destiny, especially after Mary's visit. Perhaps Elizabeth knew what Malachi's words about a messenger in today's first reading would mean for her son. Perhaps she knew to have faith in the Lord's promises – no matter how long ago made – when she knew to call him John, and that this was what the Lord intended. Her husband chose to have faith in her faith, and by this, he was able to speak again, when he also upheld the will of the Lord. All this before baffled neighbors, who were all for tradition and had much to say on the matter in their surprise at witnessing such a miracle; “What, then, will this child be? For surely the hand of the Lord was with him.”

As we think upon this short scripture, take a moment to think on your trust in God, and the promises he has made to us – Even when we feel like we have no "great destiny" like those whose stories we know from the Bible. Even when our friends, families and neighbors cause us to doubt those promises or question our reasoning for our belief. Even when it takes longer than you expected – Do you trust the Lord to keep His promises, not just to us all, but to you?

Raina Shannon
Designer

Thursday, December 22, 2016

December 22 - Thursday of the Fourth Week of Advent

The Lowly

This time of year we get so caught up in the bright lights, perfect gifts, joyful parties...all the excitement and exuberance of the season permeates the air around us.

Yet today's readings offer a discomforting reminder - God reaches for the lowly, the forgotten, those down trodden or desperate. During this season when our own concerns, our own celebrations, our own traditions dominate our thoughts it is challenging to remember those of whom Mary sings in today's Gospel. 

Today's Gospel reminds us to remember the lowly. Remember those who are suffering cold, hunger, loneliness, pain, and trauma in our own homes, neighborhood, and city. Remember those who are suffering throughout the world from hunger, displacement, war, lack of medical care, drought, and poverty. Remember that God hears the lowly. God calls us to be like him, so let us hear the cry of the lowly and answer. How may you be the hands, feet, and heart of God today?

Wednesday, December 21, 2016

December 21 - Wednesday of the Fourth Week of Advent

Time is near

This is such an exciting time in the Church, this advent time. We are waiting for the birth of Jesus in just a few short days, and as we wait, we are also filled with our own preparations for Christmas. "Our soul waits for the Lord" I can't wait and I am sure Mary could not either, as when Elizabeth heard Mary's greeting, Jesus leaped in her womb. A new baby is certainly a time of joy for one and all. In my family we have a new baby coming in December, we don't what it is but we are so happy and there is another one coming in February-a boy. 

This is the time of year that we have a chance to reflect on all our happiness and joy and be thankful for all our blessings. Have you counted your blessings???

This gospel is also the beginning of our Hail Mary prayer, a very powerful prayer that is devoted to Mary. Mary accepts and believes in the Lord's promises to her. We also believe in the promises from the Lord and rejoice in his word.

Time is getting close as we wait for the Lord and we trust that he has come to save us. Be happy that the Lord will be here for us and any help you need. Rejoice for the future and renew your love for him at this time of year. How can you renew your love for the Lord at this time of year?

Patti Noonan
RCIA Sponsor

Tuesday, December 20, 2016

December 20 -Tuesday of the Fourth Week of Advent

She was greatly troubled


Each Hail Mary we say begins with the greeting from Angel Gabriel to Mary at the Annunciation that causes her to feel “greatly troubled at what was said.” We say it easily, often mindlessly, but not until thinking about this reflection have I considered that Gabriel’s greeting caused our beloved Momma distress, concern, and confusion. And now that I think about it, this may be my new favorite line from this familiar scripture reading. Why? Because it makes Mary so human, so real, so relatable.

Following God’s call is hard. I fight almost every nudge, every call, usually kicking and screaming. I do not like the idea of my safe comfortable life being shaken up. What if I’m not good enough for what God is asking of me? What if it’s hard? What if I make a fool of myself? What if I disappoint someone else? What if I fail? Gulp, greatly troubling. 

But Gabriel eased her mind. Nowhere in this reading does he tell our beloved Momma that her life is going to be easy, comfortable, or safe. But he does seem to tell her to have faith that God’s got her back. “Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God.” And she trusted Gabriel; she listened and responded that she was all in. “Behold, I am the handmaid of the Lord. May it be done to me according to your word.”

What would happen if the next time we are troubled by a nudge or calling from God, we take comfort remembering that Mary was also greatly troubled but God’s call? Could we follow her example by asking Gabriel what it means and trust that God’s got our backs? Could we, too, respond that we are all in?

Courtney Sanger
Year of Mercy Pilgrimage Participant

If the idea of a pilgrimage appeals, consider joining Fr. Brad Zamora and Jennifer Delvaux on pilgrimage to Lourdes, Spain, and Fatima this summer. Details can be found here.

Monday, December 19, 2016

December 19 - Monday of the Fourth Week of Advent

Strong Faith

As I have grown older and experienced adulthood in the Christmas season, my appreciation and admiration towards the miracle of the birth of Jesus has grown. Mary gave birth to Jesus not only as a virgin, but also as a very young woman looking to begin her new life with her husband Joseph. As an adolescent, I did not grasp the life-changing aspects of what God asked of Mary, and have only appreciated them more in recent times. 

We are all aware of the story of the angel Gabriel visiting Mary and proclaiming the good news, but in today’s reading we are reminded that God has done this is the past. God approached the wife of Manoah and proclaimed that she would give birth to a boy that would “begin the deliverance of Israel from the power of the Philistines.” God furthermore asked the wife of Manoah to abide by strict rules while bearing Samson and never to cut his hair. The rest is history with Samson.

In the Gospel, we are told the story of the angel Gabriel’s visit to Elizabeth and Zechariah. Gabriel proclaims the birth of John the Baptist to Elizabeth, who is very old and “barren.” God asks Elizabeth again to have faith and outlines strict instructions for John’s upbringing. Zechariah, however, shows less faith and does not believe Gabriel at first. Zechariah is left without speech until John’s birth due to his questioning.

God asked a heavy burden of Mary, Elizabeth, and Samson’s mother and all possesses the faith to answer the call without a grievance or shred of doubt. Although I am a young, single man in the modern age, I can still grasp how difficult it must have been for these women to face God unprepared and agree to a life changing decision on the spot! I probably would have at least questioned God much like Zechariah did. These readings and the Gospel remind me to have strong faith and to “not be afraid” during the Christmas season, whether it is simply making a sincere effort to attend mass or to participate more in the faith community. 

Lastly, God notes to all three mothers that the birth of their sons would be a joyous occasion and celebrated by all. Christmas is a time of happiness and celebration, but there are that those who are struggling in our community that can be left out or avoid the Christmas spirit. I hope to be able to share the joy of Christmas with them during the last few weeks of the season, and I ask you, as well, to share the cheer to those who need it.​

Michael Piccatto, Jr.
Young Adult Board

Sunday, December 18, 2016

December 18 - Fourth Sunday of Advent

God is with us

In today’s gospel according to Matthew, the reading is about a virgin named Mary who is to give birth to Jesus. Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and they shall name him Emmanuel, which means “God is with us.”

As I reflect on this reading, I am drawn to the words “God is with us”. How is it possible that God is with us at all times? What does this mean? 

To me it means that through the gift of holy baptism, I have been initiated with the Holy Spirt who lives within me challenging me to get rid of old sinful ways to become holier each day that I live. This involves deep faith and focus on hearing God’s voice and not the world’s. It involves daily reflection and reconciliation.

St Joseph and Mother Mary were deeply aware of the living God who speaks to us as we live out our lives. Their blessed awareness and affirmative response through faith in God’s voice is the reason “God is with us”. 

Paul Mettler
RCIA sponsor

Saturday, December 17, 2016

December 17 - Saturday of the Third Week of Advent

Genealogy

Today’s Gospel reading outlines the genealogy of Jesus Christ, the son of David. 

It is common these days for individuals to be interested in their family’s genealogy in order to carve out a place for one's family in the larger historical picture and to fulfill a responsibility to preserve the past for future generations. 

This Gospel from Matthew, tracing the genealogy of Jesus Christ, is driven by these same motives. Yet, the Gospel also highlights how His genealogy speaks to the mystery and grace surrounding the birth of the son of man. 

There are 14 generations from Abraham, the father of Israel, until the birth of David the king; 14 generations from the birth of David until exile in Babylon and 14 generations from the exile in Babylon until Joseph, the husband of Mary and the birth of Jesus Christ. 

The message in this Gospel heeds the future coming of a new king, Jesus Christ, who lived among the people to reveal the mysteries of his ministry as the son of man. He gives hope to the poor, to those suffering and in need, and guides us to find peace in our lives. His birth brought a light to the world and fills our hearts with a grace to live a life in his service. 

As you take your place in your family’s genealogy, will future generations speak to your devotion to living your faith in the example of the son of man?

Ken Henriksen
Faith Formation Commission

Friday, December 16, 2016

December 16 - Friday of the Third Week of Advent

Prioritizing Praising God

At first glance, today’s readings shared few similarities. Yet upon further reflection, there is an emphasis on welcoming everyone into God’s flock, making praise a priority and finding salvation. In Reading 1, we are reminded that God will exclude no one who obeys his commandments. The Responsorial Psalm encourages all people, regardless of their ties, to praise and exalt the Lord. Finally, the Gospel reminds us that Jesus’ presence and miracles are testimony enough to His purpose. 
  1. In your life, what does it mean to acknowledge Jesus’ testimony/presence?
  2. How can you make praising God a priority in your life? What situations/events stop you from prioritizing praise?
J. Donald
RCIA Candidate



Thursday, December 15, 2016

December 15 - Thursday of the Third Week of Advent

God loves us no matter what our sins or how long we have been away from him

In today's reading from Isaiah, Jesus compares Jerusalem as a wife who has been barren and deserted now suddenly finds herself with innumerable children returning from exile. Though they have committed many sins and have been exiled from the Lord. The Lord has called them back telling them that for a brief moment I abandoned you, but with great tenderness I will take you back. 

God is a forgiving God!!!

God loves you no matter how many sins you have committed. You may abandon God for a time or feel like God is far from you for the moment, but God is always there to welcome you as a loving and forgiving God.

Rosalyn R. Howard

Wednesday, December 14, 2016

December 14 - Wednesday of the Third Week of Advent

Keeping in mind what is important

As I reflect on the first reading from Isaiah, Ch. 45, it makes me think about the importance of trusting in God and having faith that he will lead us. It also reminds us to attempt to avoid the distractions of life. We must point our compass toward the Lord and not be distracted.

I recently got back from Holy Name’s Pilgrimage to Italy. Before going on the trip I felt nervous about what the experience would be like. Would this trip be too religious? Would I like the people I traveled with for 13 days?

But as this first reading said: “Turn to me and be safe, all you ends of the earth, for I am God; there is no other!” 

By the grace of God, I put my trust in him that the trip would be rewarding and the experience would be memorable. Sure, I worried about whether I packed the right items or if I brought enough Euros. But I got on the plane and put my faith in God that this experience we saved up for would live up to my hopes. 

And it did.

What made the pilgrimage special wasn’t necessarily the sites I saw or the souvenirs I purchased. It was the friendships I made and the memories we created as one group on this unique and special journey. The trip truly changed my life for the better and strengthened my faith not only in God, but in those people in my life.

And I think that is what God promises us in this reading – if we put our trust and faith in him we will find life’s rewards, sometimes when we least expect it.

Olivia Silver
Parish Pastoral Council Chair, 
Extraordinary Minister and Docent

If the idea of a pilgrimage appeals, consider joining Fr. Brad Zamora and Jennifer Delvaux on pilgrimage to Lourdes, Spain, and Fatima this summer. Details can be found here.

Tuesday, December 13, 2016

December 13 - Tuesday of the Third Week of Advent

St. Lucy's Feast Day

At a time when the days are short and night falls quickly, we need a lamp to light our way. St. Lucy, whose name means “light,” is the patron saint of the blind. We call to mind her faith, a beacon of light, filled with courage and fortitude. St. Lucy was martyred for her faith and it is said that her eyes were plucked by her persecutors for refusing a life opposed to one in Christ. Her own mother disapproved of her devotion until she suffered a life threatening illness, and was healed. In a dream, St. Agatha, another virgin and martyr, appeared to Lucy in a dream heralding her mother’s recovery. With that news, the hardened heart of her mother was melted. Hearts are changed and lives are transformed by St. Lucy’s love of God, courage and fortitude. 

During Advent, the season of hope and anticipation, we seek a path that enlightens our way from the darkness of our lives. Pray to St. Lucy for her intercession to light a flame of love that we too see with the eyes of Faith and share in her perseverance and devotion.

Julie Yacopino
Faith Formation Commission Member
RCIA team member

Monday, December 12, 2016

December 12 - Monday of the Third Week of Advent

Our Lady of Guadalupe

Christmas overflows with joy and love because it celebrates the greatest love of all time. It celebrates God, who is love, becoming man, so that by His perfect love all men and women could know Him more personally, and share Him more deeply. This love, in God, existed before all creation, but in human form, it began in the womb of Mary.

Today, as we celebrate the Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe, we celebrate the love that brought Christ into our world, not because Mary loved us then, but because Mary loves us always.

The feast today celebrates her appearance to Juan Diego and his uncle, Juan Bernadino, in 1531, in what is now central Mexico, and the enduring image of her presence, imprinted on the tilma that Juan Diego wore, that remains there to this day. It reminds us that her love for us is not a mere abstraction or symbol. It is a force with which she actively reaches out to us and touches us in our lives, with the power to transform us, helping bring us to her son, as she first brought her son to us.

Millions of Aztecs converted to Catholicism in the years that immediately followed her appearance to those two peasants. Her saving work, like her love, and like her Son’s love, as humble as it is exulted, is intended to be universal, for all of us, even as it is deeply personal, for each of us.

The readings today are filled with love for Mary. Since Jesus is not only the Son of God, but also the Word of God, they are filled with His love for His mother. The Word of God is with us to help us more fully love Christ, but also to more fully love Mary, just as Jesus does.

In more fully loving Mary, we come to better love as she loves. We more fully love God, and we more fully love all of our brothers and sisters for whom her Son entered into this world, and gave His life.

The image of Mary, still present on Juan Diego’s cloak after almost half a millennium, is miraculous and beautiful. But even greater is the miracle in the beauty of the image of herself that she plants in our hearts—the image of her love.

John Manley
Young Adult Board

Sunday, December 11, 2016

December 11 - The Third Sunday of Advent

Patience

During Advent when I was a child, my mother had to constantly preach patience to me, as I could not wait to rush through Advent and arrive at Christmas Day, so I could play the latest Atari video game I was given as a gift. My mother also had to remind me that Advent was really the time of year to be patient-to wait in great anticipation for the greatest gift-the coming our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

In today’s Second Reading from the Book of James, we are all reminded of the importance of patience. 

“See how the farmer waits for the precious fruit of the earth, being patient with it, until it receives the early and the late rains. You too must be patient.

This passage reminds me of the many times that I was not patient with the Lord as I asked for His help during challenging times. In fact, many times I have missed “the early and the late rains”, the many gifts the Lord continues to give me (His love, the love of others), in order to make it through my life’s difficult situations.

During the remainder of the Advent season, be patient with the Lord. Think of all of the challenges that you are facing, and truly appreciate the amazing gifts He is already providing. 

Just as the farmer waited, will you too wait patiently to receive the Lord’s precious fruits?

Michael Cozzi
Year of Mercy Pilgrimage participant

Saturday, December 10, 2016

December 10 - Saturday of the Second Week of Advent

The Ultimate Preparing

It seems we are always preparing for something each day; preparing for work, preparing meals, preparing for family travels, preparing Christmas lists, etc. But have we taken the time for the ultimate preparation of our hearts for Christmas?

As we are approximately half way through Advent Season 2016, let us pause a few quiet moments to take inventory and reflect on where we are in our personal Advent journey. Are we taking time away from the hustle and busy-ness of “material” Christmas to prepare our hearts for the true coming of Christ this Christmas? 

Can we, like Elijah, the holiest of prophets, do our part to turn back hearts? Maybe we cannot call down fire as Elijah did, but we can light a fire of love for the Lord that is evident and contagious in the way we treat others and live our lives.

Can we be courageous like John the Baptist to prepare the way in the places we abide? We can trust that as the Lord of Hosts cared for His vine (Israel) that He will continue to protect us as we turn to Him. With this confidence, we can bring the love of the Infant Jesus into our hearts, into our families, into our work environments and into our neighborhoods. 

Do your part to usher in the Age of the Messiah! There is still time for the ultimate preparing!

God bless you!

Ruth Ann Nguyen
Volunteer team member for RCIA at Holy Name Cathedral

Friday, December 9, 2016

December 9 - Friday of the Second Week of Advent

Paradox

In today's Gospel reading, Jesus calls out "this generation" for its quickness to criticize, especially when it criticizes two opposites for different reasons! He says:

"For John came neither eating nor drinking, and they said,
‘He is possessed by a demon.’ 
The Son of Man came eating and drinking and they said,
‘Look, he is a glutton and a drunkard,
a friend of tax collectors and sinners.’"

Jesus' words remind me of G.K. Chesterton's Orthodoxy. Before Chesterton converted, he was amazed at the diverse criticisms leveled at Christianity, especially when there were two groups criticizing it for opposing characteristics: 

"As I read and re-read all the non-Christian or anti-Christian accounts of the faith... a slow and awful impression grew gradually but graphically upon my mind -- the impression that Christianity must be a most extraordinary thing. For not only (as I understood) had Christianity the most flaming vices, but it had apparently a mystical talent for combining vices which seemed inconsistent with each other.... What again could this astonishing thing be like which people were so anxious to contradict, that in doing so they did not mind contradicting themselves?"

Chesterton thinks these criticisms are caused by Christianity's many apparent paradoxes---pairs of seemingly self-contradictory ideas. 

What are some examples? Here are three: the penitential seasons like Advent and the feasts like Christmas, the sacredness of both consecrated celibacy and marital fruitfulness, and, in today's Gospel, the value of withdrawing from the world in a spirit of penance and the simultaneous value of sharing in the ordinary lives of the people we encounter. Maybe we shouldn't be too surprised when the critics (and the media!) get confused. 

Here's another one: the value of meditative reflection and charitable action. As Chesterton (and we) engage in reflection, Jesus' next words in the reading point us to action: "But wisdom is vindicated by her works." Jesus reconciles the paradox: reflection is not an end in itself but, if it leads to wisdom, it will naturally yield good fruits.

Kevin Gimpel

Thursday, December 8, 2016

December 8 - Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary

A Letter

Dearest Joachim and Anne,

How blessed were you to bear witness to the sinless dawn of Mary's existence that helps to wipe out the sinfulness of my existence! In every moment of my life, I invoke Our Blessed Lady's intercession. Because of the Spirit-filled obedience of the both of you, we have a Blessed Lady in our lives, through whom we can give Glory and Honor and Thanks to GOD for His Grace of the past and supplicating Divine assistance for His Grace to come. Through the house and line of David, dearest Anne and dearest Joachim, you nurtured Mary, taught her, and brought her up to be a worthy Mother of GOD. Guided by your teaching, she faithfully responded to GOD's request to become His Most Holy Mother. Guided by your teaching, it was your faith that laid the foundation of courage and strength that allowed Our Blessed Lady to stand by the Cross, as Our Lord was crucified.......and still believe. 

Mary, GOD's Mother and Mine...... Please stay with me always.


Wednesday, December 7, 2016

December 7 - Wednesday of the Second Week of Advent

St. Ambrose

What a privilege to share some thoughts on these beautiful readings today. St. Ambrose was one of the original four doctors of the Church. While reflecting on today's message I applied the process of Lectio Divina, a type of holy listening. Several words "spoke" to me.

Let me start with the Gospel reading from Matthew 11: 28-30 and then I will incorporate some thoughts on the other readings. Matthew offers us a great invitation. He states "Come to me, ALL you who labor & are burdened". GOD CALLS EVERYONE! Isn't this a comfort. He knows our daily struggles, trials, tribulations & burdens. All the things that weigh us down.

It is in this calling that he invites us to bring our "heavy loads" to HIM, and then HE assures us REST!

The readings in Isaiah also invite us to ponder the Salvation promised by GOD, who is all powerful & all knowing. God pardons, renews, heals & calls us each by name. He truly comes to save all. What a blessing. It is in this "calling" that we need to prepare ourselves to meet Him. The Greek word "Metanoia" means to change ones heart or mind. This season of Advent invites us to prepare & ready ourselves to welcome Him into our hearts again. Our all knowing, all powerful GOD who abides in mercy and kindness, comes to renew & save us. He invites us to "SOAR" as on Eagles Wings. How I have come to love this beautiful hymn, which is typically sung at funerals. For many years, because it touched me so personally, I couldn't sing it without crying. Now these powerful words truly lift me. Such a profound promise. GOD calls us to acknowledge His divine plans for all of us. He loves us so completely as to "carry us" on Eagles Wings!

In closing my thoughts on today's readings, let's be sure to rest & ponder the goodness of GOD, as we wait patiently & prayerfully during this season of Advent. Then we will truly be "blessed" & prepared to meet Him. I wish you ALL, a Happy Advent of Holy Waiting!


Linda Nardone


Women of the parish are invited to join us on Saturday mornings at 8:30 am in the rectory for the women's spirituality group that reflects on the Sunday gospel using the lectio divina method. Please consider dropping by!

Tuesday, December 6, 2016

December 6 - Tuesday of the Second Week of Advent

Of Ourselves

When my sons were growing up I told them about the tradition of putting shoes by the chimney so that St. Nicholas would fill the shoes with candy on December 6th. At the same time I asked them to figure out a special gift for one of their friends so they could experience Christ’s generosity by giving to another. That person was not to know that the gift was from one of them but hidden so that the person would know it was from Christ. As they begin their families, I hope they will continue the tradition

Jesus is the pivotal point of our life in home, work, school and all of what we are. During Advent we sometimes get distracted by all the glamorous things that seek our attention. Jesus seeks that attention and wishes us to chose Him. We return to the pivot and focus our attention on Him through prayer.

St. Nicholas whose feast we celebrate today has that sense of goodness and mercy toward all. The best gift we have to give to others is the gift of ourselves enhanced by God’s graces and the joy of gifting ourselves to another. When we give the gift ourselves to another we replicate God’s generosity In the Scriptures for today, the psalmist refrain is: "Here am I, Lord, I come to do your will." We place ourselves in God's loving embrace.

Dr. Eileen Quinn Knight
Parish Pastoral Council

Monday, December 5, 2016

December 5 - Monday of the Second Week of Advent

Transformation

In today’s Gospel, we see the life of the man on the stretcher completely transformed by Jesus in two important ways: his sins are forgiven and his physical paralysis is completely healed. This transformation happened because of friends who brought this paralyzed man on a stretcher to the presence of Jesus. I often neglect to bring others to the presence of Jesus partly because I feel too small to be an instrument of such a great transformation in others’ lives. However, today’s gospel shows that the simple actions of friends can be the catalyst for great transformations. The Lord asks us: “who is the man on the stretcher in your life today? Will you carry the stretcher and bring this person to my presence?” On Thanksgiving Day I served lunch for our homeless brothers and sisters at Catholic Charities with five other women from our parish’s Women’s Spirituality Group as well as many other volunteers. This was a small step of answering the Lord’s invitation but the Lord continuously invites us to carry others to him despite our own brokenness and imperfections. Whenever I feel small in being an instrument of love to others, I will remember: “carrying the stretcher” is all it takes on my part. The Lord will do the rest, the real transformation.

Hye-Sung Kim
RCIA Sponsor