Father Michael's Weekly Reflection

"Beware that your hearts do not become drowsy from carousing and drunkenness and the anxieties of daily life, and that day catch you by surprise" (Lk. 21:34)

This is the First Sunday of Advent.  We have experienced and given thanks for God's many blessings during Thanksgiving.  The secular world makes an immediate switch to Christmas.  As Catholics we begin a liturgical season which prepares our hearts for Christ's coming. 

No one is free from the anxieties of life.  However, many times these come from our own choosing.  Jesus is the Prince of Peace who comes to bring order to chaos.  Scripture says "My son where is your heart?"  This is the principal question we must ask ourselves.  We make many excuses for unrighteous behavior because of that same behavior around us. Precisely for that reason the world wants to see Christians who give authentic Christian witness despite the difficulty that supposes. 

Questions for Reflection: 

• Do I justify my behavior by that of what I see around me? 
• Am I aware that as a Christian I am called to bring peace to a divided world? 
• What will be my focus this Advent in order to be more Christ like in my thoughts and actions?