A Reply to Love

from the foot of the cross

 

Here in Ohio we haven't seen the sun in weeks. This morning , the second day of Christmas, it decided to appear in all of its glorious light. In this blast of light that shone through the windows during Mass, one could barely tell that the candles on the altar were lit, and the lights on the Christmas trees were almost imperceptible. In some ways it reminded me of our Christmas experience this year.

Make Room for Joseph and Mary

There was no room in the Subaru.

It was jam-packed with groceries from Aldi: ginger ale for sick sisters, brown sugar for baking, and ice cream for the feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe we would celebrate that night.

And why is this granted me, that the mother of my Lord should come to me? Luke 1:43
I tell you, God is able from these stones to raise up children to Abraham. Matthew 3:9

You come to me, all worn and tired from the road
And see in me a place where you may take some rest.
I wish I had a voice to tell you, “Turn away!”
This is no place for you to come who are so blest.

Advent is a season of reflecting on Christ growing in the womb of Mary.  It is a time of great anticipation and active waiting, waiting to meet her Son.  It is a season that I will never experience in the same way again.

The reality show called “The Sisterhood” that is airing now on Lifetime is raising awareness that young women can and do go through a process of discovery, of discernment:  What is God’s plan for my life? 

When I walked into the chapel this morning and several sisters were already in their seats,  I was certain that Mother Mary Ann had already chosen one of them to light the candles in the advent wreath. I admit that I was a little disappointed.

The face of Our Lady of Guadalupe painted 
by our own Sr. Della Marie

DO YOU KNOW HOW MUCH SHE LOVES YOU?

If you have never heard the beautiful words of Our Lady of Guadalupe to St. Juan Diego, get ready to be deeply moved! Grab some tissues!

At this mid-point in Advent, an honest examination of our lives may reveal that the way of the Lord has not yet been sufficiently prepared – the paths of our hearts are still far from straight! 

It can be tempting