Dear Friends in Christ,
The second week of Advent traditionally focuses on the gift of Peace. The fiery preaching of John the Baptist that we hear this Sunday reminds us that peace comes as a result of Jesus Christ entering more deeply into our hearts and into lives with “fire and the Holy Spirit” to purify, to make new, and to make fruitful. Be not afraid! This is some of Christ’s best work.
We pray… Jesus, nothing is more desirable, nothing is more pure, nothing is more trustworthy than your love for me. I trust in your loving attention to every detail of my life. You make all things new. Grant me peace through your abiding presence at every moment and help me to be Your vessel to bring peace, understanding, and forgiveness to others.
Please remember that Monday December 8 is the Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception and is a holy day of obligation. There is 8:30am and 5:30pm Mass at St. Jane Frances and 8:30am and 12noon Mass at Our Lady of the Chesapeake. St. John Paul II wrote, “This important Marian feast occurs during Advent, a season of watchful and prayerful preparation for Christmas. She who knew better than anyone how to wait attentively for the Lord guides us and shows us how to make more vital and active our journey to the Holy Night of Bethlehem. With her, we spend these weeks in prayer, and—guided by her bright star—hasten to make the spiritual journey that will lead us to celebrate the mystery of the Incarnation with greater intensity.” Mary is the patroness of the United States under the title of the Immaculate Conception.
We will pray the Stations of the Crib once more on Friday December 12 at 7pm at St. Jane. All are welcome!
Please join us next Sunday evening Dec. 14 at 6:30pm at Our Lady of the Chesapeake for a night of Lessons and Carols! This is a service with beautiful music and Scripture readings to take us more deeply into our spirit of expectation and longing during this Advent. We are grateful to Kevin Garner and our choir and musicians for this special opportunity!
Another Marian feast on Friday of this week is the Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe who is the patroness of the Americas. Hear her tender words spoken to St. Juan Diego during the apparitions. She speaks also to you and me:
“Let not your heart be disturbed. Do not fear that sickness, nor any other sickness or anguish. Am I not here, who is your Mother? Are you not under my protection? Am I not your health? Are you not happily within my fold? What else do you wish? Do not grieve nor be disturbed by anything!”
Let us continue to pray for each other.
Come Lord Jesus!
Father John
