"A Time To Encounter" Dec 16, 2022

FOURTH WEEK OF ADVENT: A TIME TO ENCOUNTER

We make every day an anticipation for yet another, more profound, more transforming revelation. Although we have heard, and sung, and prayed the Advent message many times before, a pause, some quiet time of prayer, the celebration of the Sacrament of Reconciliation all go a long way to “make all things new” … again … although the Advent and Christmas story are as old as the Church itself.

This year, permit me as your Pastor to offer some thoughts each week of Advent for your reflection, meditation, and prayer, drawn from the Church’s rich spiritual treasury.

“We consider Christmas as the encounter, the great encounter, the historical encounter, the decisive encounter, between God and mankind. He who has faith knows this truly; let him rejoice (Pope St. Paul VI).”

“God’s Word is the Lord Jesus Christ, who in this last age became man among men and women to unite end and beginning, that is men and women and God. The prophets receiving the gift of prophecy from this same Word, foretold his coming in the flesh, which brought about the union and communion between God and humankind ordained by the Father. From the beginning the word of God prophesied that God would be seen by men and women and would live among them on earth; he would speak with his own creation and be present to it, bringing it salvation and being visible to it (St. Irenaeus).”

“You have heard, O Virgin, that you will conceive and bear a Son; you have heard that it will not be by man but by the Holy Spirit. … the price of our salvation is offered to you (St. Bernard).”

“You are also blessed because you have heard and believed. A soul that believes both conceives and brings forth the Word of God and acknowledges his works.  Let Mary’s soul be in each of you to proclaim the greatness of the Lord. Let her spirit be in each to rejoice in the Lord.  Christ has only one mother in the flesh, but all bring forth Christ in faith (St. Ambrose).”

“The Lord is coming, always coming. When you have ears to hear and eyes to see, you will recognize him at any moment of your life. Life is Advent. Life is recognizing the coming of the Lord (Henri Nouwen).”

A Blessed Advent Journey as we approach Christmas!

Fr. Robert T. Cooper, Pastor
Divine Mercy Parish and St. Elizabeth Ann Seton School