Third Week of Advent: Rejoice!

Welcome to the Third Week of Advent!  I was delighted to pray Morning Prayer with my husband before our advent wreathe which glows all the brighter this week.  There are a few things I would like to cover in this post about this time of year.

It is a time to rejoice!

I know that there are people out there in the world who feel too forgotten and/or lonely to rejoice.  If this is you, keep this in mind: it is not a sin to be sad on Christmas, if this is where you find yourself.  And if you have the time to give, remember to think, pray, and do something for those in need.  Reach out with a Christmas card so that someone feels remembered; give them a phone call; donate to your local homeless shelter.  We might not be able to change the situation ourselves, but at least they will not feel alone in their need.  They do not have to remain forgotten.

The other day I was reflecting on the Holy Family: Jesus, Mary, and Joseph.  It is a special time of year to consider how they supported one another as a family.  The God-Man, lying in a manger; Our Blessed Mother, also conceived without sin, "pondering all these things in her heart;" but what about Joseph?  He was not immaculately conceived; he was simply a man!  He must have felt humbled, to be the foster father of the promised Messiah, and the wife of Mary.  St. Joseph preferred to be in the background, probably also treasuring these life events in his heart, like Our Lady, but also knowing that he was a sinner.  That makes him all the more relatable to us, who sometimes fall short.  How can we imitate St. Joseph, in his humility, before the good things of God?

I also would like to mentioned a recent homily given by a great, Catholic speaker, Fr. Mike Schmitz (on the youtube channel: Sundays with Ascension).  He made a lot of points about this past Sunday's Readings.  One thing that stood out for me was more of a confirmation regarding what I try to explain on this blog and my YouTube channel (A Catholic Presence).  How can we strive to live in the Presence of God?  I learned how to practice Direction of Intention while in the monastery, and how to stay ever in His loving Presence.  So I highly recommend watching Fr. Mike's video, along with the other points he makes.

That's what has been on my heart today.  Wishing you a joy-filled week, and remember to rejoice in all things!

Pausing to Reflect on the Second Week of Advent

 Here we are at the 2nd Week of Advent!  How has it been going for you?

I love this past Sunday's gospel, describing St. John the Baptist.  What a bold guy!  He shouts from the desert, to "Prepare the way of the Lord!"  He does not hold back, at the same time humbling himself in saying that He is not worthy loosen Jesus' sandals.  

I sense a few questions for me and for you, to reflect on: 

Am I hesitant to bring Jesus to others?  

Do I strive to live a Christlike example, that He may work through me?  

How ready am I to evangelize to others?  

It doesn't have to be a direct proclamation (unless that is your calling).  But what about the way I live, following the virtues and thinking "what would Jesus do?"  

Christ is alive!  Are we preparing a way for Him into our hearts, and in the way we radiate Him with our lives?

Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception, 2023

 Here we are at the Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception!  Praise God and thank Him for His Immaculate Mother!  I was just recalling, in preparation for this big day in the Church, how Our Lady revealed herself under this title in Lourdes, to St. Bernadette Soubirous.  The beautiful lady in white came, asking the young shepherdess, to pray for the conversion of sinners.  

During this Advent Season, I hope we will consider the need to continually repent and to pray for each other.  Our Lady will help us, and lead us to her Son.

I'm Back!

 Welcome back to "In the Presence of God-A Scratch Off the Surface"!  I am also welcoming myself back while I feel more comfortable with the excitement (and unpredictability) of having a baby.  :). Sometimes writing is easier than going through the process of filming, editing, and publishing on the YouTube channel, 'A Catholic Presence.'  So here we go!

Advent is once again almost upon us, and we are beginning a new year in the Church.  I always liked new beginnings because it gives me a fresh "restart".  My car actually needed a new battery recently, and it gave me and my husband a chance to attend to it, giving it a new start in its life.  

Jesus is calling us to begin again, in preparing the way for Him in our hearts.  I hope that all of us are able to take the time to go to confession during this new season, and to "restart" our own lives with new, spiritual resolution.  Do not be afraid to go to Him- yes, run to Him!  

Know of my prayers for you this week and always.  Remember always live "In the Presence of God!"  And now to check on the baby!