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Advent Reflections 2015 So, what does mean to me? It means God became flesh Dear Parishioners, in the form of Jesus with a face like us, and that when I look into Everyone is called to holiness, and I have come to see how someone’s face, I know I am looking into a face that reflects the many respond with incredible generosity, creativity and faith to image and likeness God. How we treat each other reflects how that call. One of the great riches of the Church these days is the we are treating God. lived faith of so many people who belong to Catholic parishes. There is so much good happening these days in the lives of so many. God and human beings walk in relationship, Paul Kies and to hear the ongoing stories of such relationship is a gift and a privilege. Within these pages, we receive the wisdom of God at work in the human journey. People of Saint Elizabeth Parish who have written these reflections share how God is present and active in our lives, how God is faithful, generous, insistent, powerful, wise, persistent, and at work in ways both ordinary and extraordinary. What a blessing for us to read such reflections, and to recognize our story in these stories, and the story of all God’s people through all time. “Advent” means “arrival.” This season is a call to alertness, to pay attention to God’s arrival in our lives now, and to prepare for God’s arrival at the end of time. Alertness can take many forms. We can resolve to be quieter, simpler or humbler; more generous, patient or trusting. We take time to prepare for the ultimate arrival, that of our Creator who chooses to make a home with us. Maybe you’ll hear something new in these stories. Or something familiar and consoling. Or something humorous or poignant. These are stories of faith. Advent stories. Our stories. Peace, Father Greg Christmas Day, 2015 Christmas and New Year Calendar

Being a cradle Catholic means the word “advent” has been part of Tuesday, December 8 my vocabulary for as long as I can remember. I have used it to Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception describe the advent of this, that, or the other thing. I have to Holy Day of Obligation admit that until I was asked to write something about Advent, I 7:00 a.m. Mass, 11:30 a.m. Mass, 6:00 p.m. Mass never before took the time to sit down and explore what Advent truly means. That being said, the first thing I did was find the Thursday, December 10 correct definition of the word itself. Luckily, I found out I have Communal Penance Service been using it correctly as “the arrival of a notable person, thing, 7:00 p.m. or event.” What I also found is that disappearance is the antonym or opposite of advent. Thursday, December 24 4:00 p.m. Children’s Mass 10:00 p.m. Vigil Mass Where would we be if Jesus disappeared from our lives? I reflect upon the people of Noah’s day. God became so frustrated with Friday, December 25 Christmas Day them He decided to start over. Without Jesus’ coming, would we Holy Day of Obligation be any better than them? Look around…what do we see even 7:30 a.m. and 10:00 a.m. Celebration of Mass with Jesus’ presence in our midst? If a third of the angels were cast out of heaven, I assume one out of every three people in this Thursday, December 31 Solemnity of Mary Vigil world will meet the same fate. Therefore, I try not to let their Mother of God actions misdirect me. It would be great to save everyone, but 5:30 p.m. Vigil Mass Hell is not just for fallen angels. Friday, January 1, 2016 Solemnity of Mary Mother of God Holy Day of Obligation Instead of focusing on what is wrong, I try to look at what is 10:00 a.m. Mass right. I see so many people acting with great kindness and respect toward each other that Jesus’ Golden Rule is alive. Who else but Jesus could get us to look outside our own family, and redefine who is our brother? For two thousand years, Jesus’ teachings have influenced us.

Sunday of the First Week of Advent November 29, 2015 As our wedding date approached, we were in the midst of Advent, JER 33: 14-16, PS 25: 4-5, 8, 9, 10-14, 1 THES 3:12-4:2, and for the first time I started to realize that that process of LK 21:25-28, 34-36 preparing our wedding was similar and somewhat parallel to that of Advent. Every Mass, another candle was lit, and the readings “There will be signs in the sun, the moon, and the stars … foreshadowed the events surrounding the birth of Jesus. Advent was methodical and organized. As each week passed, Paul and I nations will be in disarray, perplexed by the roaring of the sea ….” (Luke 21:25) were another week closer to the wedding date, and I would worry and wait. And wait and worry. I am organized and a planner. When my plans get botched, I panic, even though Paul If that doesn’t sound like a blood moon eclipse, vertical was doing most of the work. Upon reflection, I wonder how alignment of Mars and Venus, wars, terrorism, and global much Mary worried and had fears about travelling so late in her climate change, thrown together with tsunamis, earthquakes, and pregnancy, without the advantages of modern medicine, tornadoes, I don’t know what does. transportation, and other such amenities. I had it easy. Every Advent, I remember not only that God sent me the most wonderful husband, but His son Jesus Christ, who would It’s fascinating to me that Advent’s Sunday Gospels (all three ultimately die for my sins. cycles) start apocalyptically in week one and end with the tale of a child in a stable. But, maybe this addresses a basic human Leslie Kies tendency to look for the big and the bold in our experience of God. Perhaps the Advent cycle invites us to re-orient our thinking and our seeking.

I’m a perfectionist – I want to know the correct answers, I want to read the signs correctly, I want to be right and to know I’m right. This Gospel – and the journey of Advent – is a huge smackdown to my smug supposed sagacity. Advent shows us, shows me, that the signs we expect don’t necessarily nor reliably point to the reality of God’s presence.

Christmas Day, 2015 Celestial events, expiration dates on ancient calendars, dooms-

day scenarios or prophecies (Y2K anyone?) don’t herald the We were getting married. Paul proposed to me the previous June, presence of Christ, of Emmanuel, of God-with-us-here-and- and we set a wedding date of January 5 when we would be now. As Advent unfolds, the Gospels highlight the small married at Saint Elizabeth Church. I was ashamed to admit that I signs, the unexpected moments, the subtle signals, appearing had been in a church less than a handful of times in the previous where and when we least expect them – these are the signs 19 years, until I started attending Mass with Paul before we that awaken us to Christ’s presence. became engaged. I thought the customs and traditions were fascinating. This year, I hear this reading call me to look for the subtle, Having been raised a fundamental Baptist, my family always simple, quiet signs of God’s presence, here and now; celebrated the Christmas season, but we did not acknowledge challenge me to quiet my mind and still my heart to recognize Advent. We didn’t attend church services on Christmas unless Christ-with-us; invite me to find the Spirit in the unexpected Christmas fell on a Sunday. Within a day or two after and unplanned and undirected moments and conversations and Thanksgiving, after we roused ourselves from a turkey coma, my experiences of life today in Waldo. parents would erect a Christmas tree. We children would decorate the tree while our mother would decorate the house and bake. She would hang a Christmas wreath, place her decorations The Gospels this Advent remind us – remind me – that Christ and candles throughout the house, and set out the Nativity set that arrives not in sound and fury and cataclysm, but in the birth of we weren’t allowed to play with. Over a period of several weeks, a child to peasant parents in an obscure town. wrapped packages would appear under the tree, and the waiting would begin. We would wait for snow. We would wait for school to end. We would wait for out-of-town company to arrive so that What’s your sign? we could eat the baked goods that mom had reserved. We would wait for Christmas day to unwrap our gifts. But we did not call Tim O’Connell, grateful to find God’s presence at this time Advent. My only concept of Advent was admiring a Saint Elizabeth, really wanted to add a Ghostbuster’s handmade felt our Presbyterian neighbor had reference to the examples of apocalypse . . . . hanging on her kitchen wall.

Monday of the First Week of Advent November 30, 2015 In September of 2011, I found out I was pregnant with my third ROM 10:9-18, PS 19:8-11, MT 4:18-22 child, and just before Christmas I found out I was expecting a boy. For some reason, I started feeling as though I needed my Catholic faith again. But I was still mad at God. So where do I “For one believes with the heart and so is justified, and one begin? I began to look for a church in Springfield where we confesses with the mouth and so is saved.” Rom 10:10 were living, but I never felt at home, or comfortable with my faith. When I take today’s readings and reflect on them together, they In 2013, we moved back to Kansas City and joined Saint speak so much of our Catholic teachings. The Psalm reminds us Elizabeth’s. I slowly started to bring out the Nativity, but I still of how just the law of the Lord is… The Gospel reminds us to struggled with the meaning of Advent. Then the women of heed God’s call… The reading in Romans reminds me of my Christ Renews His Parish Team Seven invited me to spend a journey with Confession. I struggle with going to Confession. weekend with them. It was these women who relit the flame of However, as my faith evolves I am learning to appreciate this act my fire within. Then the women of Team Eight helped to kindle so much more, and actually welcome the opportunity to have that fire, and to bring out a sense of belonging and community. someone else (a Priest) pray with me and intercede on my behalf They helped me understand that Advent was a time of waiting with personal struggles in my life. These struggles might and reflection. I can’t thank these ladies enough for showing me include answering God’s call to something I may think I can’t patience and understanding, as I had fallen, and they helped me handle, or following a “law” I don’t feel applies in today’s back up, and brushed me off, and are now walking this journey world, or forgiving what seems unforgivable. This is when I of faith with me. remember what the capital C in Catholic represents – our whole community of faith. This gives me renewed strength to dig for I am looking forward to sharing my family traditions with my deeper understanding, or to reopen myself to answer the call, or kids, and bringing the real meaning of the season back into to find a friend to pray with for this part of the journey. our home.

Don’t be afraid to “answer the call.” Katie Baldwin How else can you connect more deeply with your faith? How can our Catholic community enjoy you even more?

Judi A. Moritz, Confirmation Co-Chair Christmas Day, 2015 Tuesday of the First Week of Advent December 1, 2015 Vigil: Is 62:1-5, Ps 89:4-5, 16-17, 27, 29, Acts 13:16-17, 22-25, Is 11:1-10, Ps 72:1-2, 7-8, 12-13, 17, Lk 10:21-24 Mt 1:1-25 or Mt 1:18-25 Night: Is 9:1-6, Ps 96:1-3, 11-13, Ti 2:11-14, Lk 2:1-14 “Then the wolf shall be a guest of the lamb …” Isaiah 11: 6 Dawn: Is 62:11-12, Ps 97:1, 6, 11-12, Ti 3:4-7, Lk 2:15-20 Isaiah’s passage here is a good one for the Christmas season Day: Is 52:7-10, Ps 98:1-6, Heb 1:1-6, Jn 1:1-18 or 1:1-5, 9-14 because it stresses understanding, counsel, delight and, it Advent and Christmas as a child was always centered around sounds like to me, the New Paradise. He describes everybody Christ. Every day during Advent, we lit the candles on the and every living thing getting along peacefully with every other wreath and prayed. Christmas Eve was always spent preparing living thing, even natural enemies: wolves and lambs, leopards for the arrival of Christ and Midnight Mass. When we came and goats, cows and bears, babies and vipers. home from Mass, we would lay baby Jesus in the empty manger Isaiah doesn’t specifically say so but I assume that peacefulness of our Nativity scene. I never questioned why or what we were extends to adult humans, too: Arabs and Jews, Americans and doing; it was just what we did to celebrate the birth of Jesus. Russians, Democrats and Republicans, blacks and whites. Then life moved on. As an adult, I became a CEO (Christmas And, I assume, it extends to individuals like myself and the and Easter only) Catholic. Christmas was still an important homeless guy I see begging on the Broadway Bridge every holiday, but Advent lost all meaning to me. I no longer had the morning as I go to work. Not that we are enemies, but I usually example of my parents to remind me why we celebrated Advent. ignore him or may give him a nod when the light turns and I I went on with life and moved around the season, but never pass by him. That’s not really “getting along,” is it. really participated in it. The cow and bear have no choice but to be enemies. We can In November of 2007, my family took a huge blow. My father do nothing to change that. But the Arab and the Jew, the black and my rock was taken from us by pancreatic cancer. I was person and the white person, or me and the homeless man are pregnant with my second child, and we were coming up on the not natural enemies. We as humans can, should, must help God Advent season, but my heart just wasn’t in it. I was mad at God. establish the New Paradise. Not that He couldn’t do it by I couldn’t stand to celebrate a birth when I was mourning the Himself. He certainly can. But then we wouldn’t be a part of it. death of my father. This feeling had unfortunately gone on for He wants our help because He wants us, me, with Him in the years. My girls missed out on the beauty of the Advent season, New Paradise. and the celebration of Christ’s birth. I hid my and Nativity scene. Doug Kinney is a 25+ year member of St. E’s, is married with two grown children and is looking forward to retirement. Wednesday of the First Week of Advent December 2, 2015 IS 25:6-10A, PS 23:1-3A, 3B-4-6, MT 15:29-37

It was October 13 when Mary Cary asked me to write something for our Advent booklet this year. I remember looking up the readings for December 2 and being surprised. The 23rd Psalm did not strike me as a theme related to Advent and Christmas, but perhaps I was assigned this day and this reading on purpose.

On October 27 my father-in-law, Don Petersen, collapsed and was hospitalized. He died two days later. Suddenly Psalm 23 was everywhere. From my mother-in-law reciting it in the hospital, to the funeral home placing these words on little programs, to being read at the funeral service, these words surrounded us for some 10 days.

I asked my son Glen his thoughts on these Scriptures and he kept it simple:

“These are examples of how God provides for us. In the case of the Psalm, it shows God protecting us, no matter how grave the situation. In the case of the reading, it shows Jesus, who is God, providing enough food for the crowds by multiplying the loaves and fish.”

It made me think of how God often provides what we need through others. While our family spent three straight days at the hospital, we were treated beautifully. They tended to every need we had, from a place to rest, food to eat, and chaplains around the clock. Thursday of the Fourth Week of Advent, December 24, 2015 It was in that same way that God gave us Don. He took care of 2SM7:1-5, 8B-12, 14A, 16, PS 89:2-5, 27, 29, LK 1:67-79 his family so wonderfully. Don fixed dishwashers, faucets, and cars. He expertly wallpapered and made a great Thanksgiving dinner. He fetched grandkids from school and took them to tutoring, scouts, and to the movies. Even the family pets (currently numbering nine) all adored Don, and the feeling was mutual. As we had the visitation and funeral service, again God was there for us, providing so much. As the friends and relatives filled the funeral home, we had so many opportunities to relive old times. The hugs, kisses, well wishes, and memories were so precious to us all. To know that other people loved Don and us so much was a beautiful gift. While this is a terribly hard time losing such a wonderful man, I have to believe that God will continue to provide for us. We all have memories to cherish to help get through these sad times. God also gave us each other to love and rely on, and that is so precious. So, as we are all gearing up for another Advent and Christmas season, let us be mindful of all the ways God provides for us each day. The friends, the family, and the food we have to nourish our souls and bodies. Also, take the time to remember the beautiful memories of all those who are not with us this year. Then, let us all challenge ourselves to do God’s work and pay forward all those gifts we continue to receive.

Kristin Vaughn-Petersen

Celes Crebbs Thursday of the First Week of Advent December 3, 2015

IS 26:1-6, PS 118:1, 8-9, 19-21, 25-27A, MT 7:21, 24-27 We had gone to the prenatal classes, and I was supposed to be

prepared, but I didn’t feel very prepared. I was not allowed in I was born in the lowliest of circumstances. Because I was the labor room and was sent to the father’s waiting room. human as well as divine, it took me 30 years to grow into the Eight months of waiting were shorter than eight hours in the man I would become. When I felt called to preach in the temple waiting room. at age twelve, my parents’ frantic search for me didn’t even cross my radar. I had a job to do; didn’t they understand that? I worried, I prayed, I thought of everything that could go Mom and I often talked about my destiny. There was no wrong. The doctor came and said, “Mr. Harris, it’s a wavering in my faith, even though I didn’t know all the details. boy….no, it’s a girl! He must have delivered a lot of babies Mom had a wonderful way of listening and encouraging me to that evening. pray to my true Father in heaven. Yet when we went to that wedding in Cana, I didn’t feel ready. When I got to go to the room to see Phyllis and Anne and hold Mom told me that we couldn’t let our cousins suffer the Anne in my arms, have her grasp my little finger, I was embarrassment of running out of wine. I tried to tell her it overwhelmed with joy, thanksgiving, and the belief that only wasn’t my time yet. But she knew. All it took was a few seconds God can do this, we are only willing participants. of her “Mom look” at me and instructions to the servants to bring me jars of water, and my ministry started. John Harris Then three years of trying to teach the motley group of apostles and disciples. Sometimes they seemed to understand and other times all I could do was shake my head at their ignorance. The hardest thing to explain was that I was not the kind of king they had dreamed of as their Messiah. To be high in regard in God’s eyes means to be a lowly servant for those who hurt the most. Finally came the crucifixion. As humiliating and awful as the pain was, I freely chose to suffer so I could redeem your sins. The INRI at the top of my cross? Think of it as I Never Regretted It.

Therese Roseburrough Wednesday of the Fourth Week of Advent December 23, 2015 Friday of the First Week of Advent December 4, 2015 MAL 3:1-4, 23-24, PS 25:4-5AB, 8-10, 14, LK 1:57-66 IS 29:17-24, PS 27:1, 4, 13-14, MT 9:27-31

Expectant Waiting Advent quite literally means “coming.” During the Advent season we prepare our minds and bodies for the coming of After we had been married four years, we were beginning to Jesus Christ. We have spent time reflecting on why this season worry that we were not going to have children. We worried that is so important in our faith, and recognize its importance, there was something wrong with us. I had taken my induction because in Jesus we come to realize the concept of God. Not physical to go into the Army when we were blessed with our first some grand idea of what we want God to be, but what God pregnancy. After it was confirmed, I remember pondering, actually is. It is through Jesus that God makes Himself known to maybe like Mary, what will this mean? There were worries us. The kind of man Jesus was helps us to reflect on what kind about whether we could be good parents. Can we afford a child? of people we should strive to be. How do we prepare?

There were also joys of realizing that we had been blessed with There is a famous quote that states that “each of us is an the miracle of new life, a very overwhelming responsibility! innkeeper,” and we have to decide if there is room for God in our lives. The season of Advent is about that -- preparing our Then the expectant waiting began. The waiting time is a blur minds and bodies to make room for God. now. We started looking at houses. We looked at a lot of them. Some, I thought, we couldn’t afford. Phyllis was more As a couple, we were blessed to marry during the Advent optimistic, but she humored me. By August, we looked at the season, but at the time (nearly 11 years ago) we did not put house I live in now, and from the moment we saw it, it said much thought into Advent and how it home. We moved in at the end of September, and started to relates to marriage. As we draw closer prepare for our new arrival, due October 13. to each other at the anniversary of our

marriage, and as we strive to draw closer We knew that babies never arrive on their due date, so when to God, what better time for us to Phyllis started having contractions on her due date, she thought it prepare ourselves for marriage, as we was false labor pains. When her contractions were every three prepare ourselves for Jesus. minutes, she decided it was time to go to the hospital and of course I panicked. Of course, Phyllis had a bag packed, and it Casey and Rachel McGraw was only a short trip to the hospital. Saturday of the First Week of Advent December 5, 2015 IS 30:19-21, 23-26, PS 147:1-6, MT 9:35-10:1, 5A, 6-8 of Mary’s “Song of Praise and Thanksgiving” echo Hannah’s joy. Scripture scholars compare this Canticle of Mary, her , to Hannah’s own song. As a devout Jewish girl, Mary would have Today’s Office of Readings includes a reflection from a treatise heard many Old Testaments stories, and might have learned on the value of patience by Saint Cyprian, bishop and martyr: Hannah’s song.

Mary has been blessed with more than she might have wished for “Patience is a precept for salvation given us by our Lord, our as a young girl. She was visited by the angel Gabriel, and now teacher: Whoever endures to the end will be saved. And again: knows she is carrying God’s own Son-Emmanuel, the Promised If you persevere in my word, you will truly be my disciples; One. Mary’s response is powerfully “magnificent.” She acknowl- you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free. edges her lowly and humble life, and rejoices that God has exalted her. “…behold, from now on, all generations will call me

blessed.” (Luke 1: 48) Mary, Elizabeth, and Hannah are fully “Dear brethren, we must endure and persevere if we are to aware of how the power of God has transformed their lives. attain the truth and freedom we have been allowed to hope for; “For nothing will be impossible for God.” (Luke 1: 37) faith and hope are the very meaning of our being Christians, Magnificent God. but if faith and hope are to bear their fruit, patience is It is our challenge to find the “Magnificent” in the “mundane” necessary.” events of our daily lives. They may not be splendid or life- changing, but we can try to realize how God exalts our simple If faith and hope are to bear their fruit, patience is necessary. experiences by His Grace. We can compare the feelings of lowliness we have, to the moments of grandeur we feel when He lifts us up. We can reevaluate our disappointments as His Sometimes, faith and hope can seem like such lofty, abstract blessings. concepts. But patience is easy to understand, because it gets tested daily in so many ways. Through the Gift of the Holy Eucharist, we carry God’s own Son- Emmanuel, the Promised One, within us. The Mighty One is

waiting to do great things for us, and Holy is His Name. What a wonderful insight Saint Cyprian has given us: if we want our faith and hope to grow How Magnificent! stronger, cultivate patience. Vicki Saviano—a witness for my Magnificent God. Deacon Mike McLean Tuesday of the Fourth Week of Advent December 22, 2015 Sunday of the Second Week of Advent December 6, 2014 1SM1:24-28, 1SM2:1, 4-8, LK 1:46-56 Bar 5:1-9, Ps 126:1-6, Phil 1:4-6, 8-11, Lk 3:1-6 Every Day Is A “Magnificat” Day! The Feast of Saint Nicholas When you look up the word “magnificent” in the dictionary, you will find a list of synonyms such as “grandeur, splendor, majestic, December 6 is a special day in our family. First of all, it is the exalted, and noble.” A “Magnifico” describes a nobleman of Feast of Saint Nicholas, who lived in the Fourth Century. He Venice, a person of high position, distinguished. The first was born of wealthy parents, but learned great generosity from definitions listed for “magnify” are “to extol, laud, to cause to be them. He was known for his generosity toward the poor. Under held in greater esteem,” followed by “intensify, or exalt.” I believe the Emperor Diocletion, Nicholas was imprisoned because of his the three Scripture readings for today are enriched with Christian faith and his giving spirit. Some of the details of his “magnificent” phrases and are connected by the words of praise life have become legendary, but as a saint, he was known for his and thanksgiving they share. holiness, generosity, and a great witness to the faith. The In today’s first reading, Hannah acknowledges her blessing from example of Saint Nicholas’ life provides us inspiration to be the Lord when He answered her prayer for a child. “I prayed for generous givers to those in need. this child, and the Lord granted my request. Now I, in turn, give December 6 was also my Mother’s birthday. It was a great him to the Lord; as long as he lives, he shall be dedicated to the opportunity for us to commemorate, celebrate, and enjoy. And, Lord” (1 Samuel 1:28). Her son’s dedication back to God was because it was Advent, it was a time to be generous, caring, and Hannah’s way of proving her thanksgiving to God for His forgiving. After celebrating Mother’s birthday with the little magnificent gift. gifts we seven children gave her, which were more hugs than Today’s second reading continues Hannah’s “Song of Praise and gifts during our young years, we began our Advent tradition of Thanksgiving” for the gift of her son Samuel. Not only were her prayers, songs, and readings. prayers for a child answered despite her sterility and old age, she Each evening before dinner we would light the candles in our bore a valued son. She gives praise to God with a litany of Advent Wreath which hung from the ceiling in our dining room. “magnificent” phrases. “He exalts the humble, and humbles the As a family we prayed the Advent Readings and closed with an exalted; He casts down and raises up again” (1 Samuel 2: 6-7). The Advent song. Of course, this was a time for us “to be good,” so Lord has rewarded her, and now she is exalted and held in higher esteem by all who know her. we made every effort during those days!!!!! In today’s Gospel, we read these same “magnificent” phrases in a Canticle we call “The Magnificat.” When Mary hears the good Continued, next page... news that her cousin Elizabeth is also with child “even in her old age” (Luke 1:36), Mary rushes to be with her. She rejoices with Elizabeth over the upcoming birth of their children. The words Sunday of the Second Week of Advent December 6, 2014 Monday of the Fourth Week of Advent December 21, 2015 SG 2:8-14, PS 33:2-3, 11-12, 20-21, LK 1:39-45

“And blessed is she who believed that there would be a Continued from previous page… fulfillment of what was spoken to her by the Lord." Luke 1:45 On Christmas Eve we as a family would process around the house singing songs related to Jesus’ birth. Each of us had a The celebration of the winter solstice has occurred throughout figure to put in the stable. When Jesus was placed in His straw history in almost every cultural and spiritual tradition. In our crib, we sang a birthday song to Him. house, it was marked by the celebration of my mother's These wonderful memories of my family celebrations have birthday. I don't recall any rituals other than cake and ice cream. been a blessed gift to me. As kids we knew Christmas was just a few days away, so mom Tradition has said that Saint Nicholas secretly gave gifts to the probably felt tired and a little slighted. She would often reflect poor. Possibly we could help someone anonymously as well. on her life this day. Mom, short of stature, short of opportunities at times in her life, born on the shortest day of the year, just Toni Walters seemed rather appropriate.

I learned a lot about the beauty of the soul and the beauty of the winter from my mom. Winter was given as a time of introspection and peace. The quiet of the long winter nights allowed more space to listen to God. The barren trees allowed the color of the birds to appear more vivid, and their songs more clear. The snow, like a blanket of comfort for God's creatures, provided a base of moisture for life to emerge in spring.

The things Mom taught me gave way to the realization that darkness has a place in us, and tomorrow the light will shine a little longer. One thing I know for sure, she believed in what was spoken to her by the Lord.

Kathy Todd Sunday of the Fourth Week of Advent December 20, 2015 Monday of the Second Week of Advent December 7, 2015 IS 35:1-10, PS 85:9AB, 10-14, LK 5:17-26 Continued from previous page… Twenty-two years ago this week, my son entered my world. Mary brings God-with-us – Emmanuel – to Elizabeth . . . and I was joyous, and scared. I was elated, and scared. I was in love, to John . . . and to shepherds . . . and to Magi . . . and to and scared. Safe in our hospital room we met each other for the first Simeon and Anna . . . time. Tim, his father, and I went home, at first to live comfortably with my parents, then to live adventurously on our own. Always ( . . . wait for it . . . . ) with a roof over our heads, always with a refrigerator and pantry filled with food. We have had our ups and downs. Our paths have . . . and to us – in this particular time, and in this specific never been completely straight. In the curves, bends and u-turns I place, into our very real lives. wonder, I question, I fear, I pray - am I doing it right? Is this what God wanted of me as a Mother? Sometimes the uncertainty is Blessed are you who believe that God is with us – present – paralyzing. here and now. Can you imagine? Can you imagine the Virgin Mary, right now? Eagerly awaiting the birth of her holy son. Joyous, and scared….elated, and scared…..in love, and scared. She will not * When I read Elizabeth’s comment to Mary, “Blessed are you meet him safely in a hospital room. She will not have the comfort who believed . . .”, I also hear her whisper this to Mary: “. . .unlike my husband, who couldn’t just say ‘OK’ when an of her parents’ shelter and loving embrace. She will not have an angel – an ANGEL – told him what to do. Oy!” abundance of food and safety. The blessed family, too, faced their ups and downs. Their path was often crooked. Did they question? Did they fear? Did they pray?

Of course. Of course they did. Unfalteringly, they did. In this season of Advent, as we eagerly await the birth of our Lord and as we eagerly await our next day and our next adventure, let us not forget that even the blessed family faced trials and tribulations along their path. But their faith in God, faith that their path would be made The O’Connell’s – straight, never faltered. Let us remember to look to Tim (clueless guy) their example as we navigate our own and Missy – wish not-so-straight paths. And let us always you peace and joy. remember that what is crooked, will be made straight again. Jocelyn Rowan - Wife, Mother, Teacher Tuesday of the Second Week of Advent December 8, 2015 Sunday of the Fourth Week of Advent December 20, 2015 GN 3:9-15, 20, PS 98:1-4, EPH 1:3-6, 11-12, LK 1:26-38 MI 5:1-4A, PS 80:2-3, 15-16, 18-19, HEB 10:5-10, LK 1:39-45

“We create holy ground and give birth to Christ in our time not “Blessed are you who believed that what was spoken to you by by doing but by believing and by loving the mysterious Infinite the Lord would be fulfilled.” (Lk 1:45) One who stirs within. This requires trust that something of great and saving importance is growing and kicking its heels Luke includes very crisp details about time, locations, names, in you. and personalities in his Infancy Narrative.

The angel summoned Mary, betrothed to Joseph, from the To the casual observer, one woman is pregnant “past her rather safe place of conventional wisdom to a realm where few childbearing years,” her cousin is pregnant under questionable of the old rules would make much sense. She entered that circumstances, and (no surprise) the men in their lives don’t unknown called “virgin territory.” She was on her own quite know how to respond. * there. No one else could judge for her the validity of her experience. And yet – in all this human ordinariness – So Much More Is

Taking Place. She can measure her reality against Scripture, the teachings of her tradition, her reason and intellect, and the counsel of wise Luke wants us to see that in a particular time, in a specific friends. But finally it is up to her. The redemption of the place, into the lives of real people, God enters into human creation is resting on the consent — the choice of this mortal existence. No, wait – actually – God becomes human. woman to believe fearlessly that what she is experiencing is true. And to claim and live out that truth by conceiving the fruit of salvation.” This child’s conception and birth (and life and death) evoke prophetic visions and call forward announcing angels.

One of the great consolations we all cherish in life is that we aren’t in this alone. On a bad day, it’s good to keep the This co-existing alternate reality is apparent to people with perspective that others have walked the same path before me. faith-vision and with divinely attuned hearts. I’m not the first and I won’t be the last to bear this burden or face that challenge. When I’m overwhelmed, puzzled, Continued, next page... Saturday of the Third Week of Advent December 19, 2015 frightened or overjoyed, there’s always somebody out there who will understand, who’s been there before. Several years ago I was reading Loretta Ross-Gotta’s “To Be Continued from previous page… Virgin” (excerpted above) and was stunned by her Yes, we’re always waiting, always hoping for something better. observations. When the angel speaks to Mary and issues God’s This is part of the “human condition.” We seem to be in a invitation, she is uniquely alone and on virgin territory. No other perpetual Advent. Why? Why do we feel the grass will be human being has ever been there before. Wow! As one who greener and the times will better over there, in the future? seeks advice from trusted mentors, parents, co-workers, and wise people all around me, I realize Mary’s incredible boldness for This feeling is a real challenge for me. I often only look to the saying “May it be done to me according to Your word.” No future, when I should live in the real time blessings of Our guarantees. No manual to consult. No advice from others who Lord now. These are the times to enjoy and live to the fullest. have been through the same thing. She is on her own, and she We know God loves us now and forever. His love surrounds us embraces the risk freely, courageously, and faithfully. always, but we must be open to live it. There is no need to wait; our life in the complete love of Christ is here for us now. You could say that we are all really standing on virgin territory as human beings, and that real faith begins from there. Others It is great to commemorate the waiting for the birth of Our have shared some of our experiences, but no one else knows the Lord and Savior, but to truly share in His light and love, we combination of gifts and struggle, events and experiences, must live it every day...not just at Christmas. In my life this has genetics and environment that each of us knows as our unique been easier said than done. I want to live each day like I believe journey. So Mary represents each of us at our best, at the place God’s love is mine. where we encounter God uniquely, at the intersection of my particular life with God’s creative initiative. It feels both Coly Bryant exciting and unsettling to think about it that way, because it underlines that we might be walking the same virgin ground as Mary, given the same bold invitation from God, but ultimately that’s where our faith becomes dynamic, urgent, and significant.

Father Greg Haskamp Wednesday of the Second Week of Advent December 9, 2015 Saturday of the Third Week of Advent December 19, 2015 IS 40:25-31, PS 103:1-4, 8, 10, MT 11:28-30 JGS 13:2-7, 24-25A, PS 71:3-6AB, 16-17, LK 1:5-25 An Advent Prayer We are only in the second week of Advent, yet the readings Today’s readings are almost identical, although they concern remind us of all the help we can count on if we only ask. different people, and are at different times in history. The first “Come to Me, all you who labor”—you who are remaining is about the conception and birth of the Old Testament figure faithful to whatever Advent practice or prayer you have of Samson. The Gospel concerns the conception and birth of decided on—“and I will give you rest.” Not only that, but we . They tell us of the longing for someone to can count on being renewed in our strength—renewed so that come after us and to care for us. In the first reading, an angel we can “run and not grow weary, walk and not grow faint.” appears to a woman. No name is given to her. The angel tells her she will conceive a son even though she is beyond child This is an especial Advent day for me since it is my dad’s bearing age. She is warned to be concerned with what she eats birthday. Though I am now an old nun and he has been dead and drinks during her pregnancy. We learn the prophecy is 47 years, it seems as if the intervening years have simply fulfilled with the words “For the boy shall be consecrated to slipped by. Yes, they contained ups and downs, but through it God from the womb, until the day of his death. The woman all, with God’s help, I have taken upon my shoulders the yoke bore a son and named him Samson. The boy grew up and the that is uniquely mine, and I have learned over the years that I Lord blessed him; the Spirit of the LORD stirred him.” was never left alone to bear that yoke. He who is “gentle and humble of heart” has been with me, walking beside me In Luke’s Gospel the woman has a name. She is Elizabeth. As sometimes, walking ahead of me to show the way at other children, we were taught Elizabeth was Mary’s cousin. She times, but always near me. and her son John had a “special” relationship with Jesus. If fact, John was the precursor for Christ, and made way for Je- Just as earthly fathers want to give their children anything and sus’ message of the New Testament. everything that would help them along the way, so does our Heavenly Father want to renew our strength for the Advent These readings help us to get ready for the birth of Christ. We journey –and all of life’s journey. know this is what Advent is all about: getting ourselves ready for the arrival of our Spiritual Savior. The one who fulfills the As the Psalm says, “They that hope in the longing in us for our hearts to be filled with the goodness and Lord”—be they young or old—“will soar as love of the Father. with eagles’ wings.” Continued, next page... Sister Rosemary Flanigan, C.S.J.

Thursday of the Second Week of Advent December 10, 2015 Friday of the Third Week of Advent December 18, 2015 IS 41:13-20, PS 145:1, 9-13, MT 11:11-15 Continued from previous page… Visions warn Joseph to flee to Egypt, and then later to quietly go to Galilee, and the town of Nazareth. Luke does not have the This time of year, there are days that can seem increasingly Magi, Herod, or Egyptian stories, but does have the blessings and overwhelming -- for some, the holiday hustle and bustle is prophecies of Simeon and Anna at the birth presentation in the building, your "to-do" list seems endless, your work may be full temple. And then the Holy Family returns to Nazareth. of non-stop activity, and your personal life might be overscheduled. For others, it's just too quiet during a time of the And we do not hear anymore of their lives until the Temple year that seems loud for many; loneliness can set in, it might feel story. Why not? I believe it was because living a humble, quiet, like the walls are closing in on you, and isolation appears non-public, life invisible to the Roman and Jewish authorities was obvious. the best way for Joseph to protect his family. And I believe Joseph intentionally led this kind of quiet life to protect everyone. You Is: 41:13 "For I am the Lord, your God, who grasps your right might call it Joseph's version of a witness protection program. hand; It is I who say to you, Do not fear, I will help you." The only upset was when Jesus was twelve years old and became No matter which experience is yours, it is helpful for me to noteworthy in the Temple story. I speculate that Joseph's and Mary's remember to stay in touch with God, throughout the day, through anxiety was not only due to the fact that Jesus was missing and could thankful prayer, thoughtful intentions, and trusting be lost, but it was also that they feared for his life from action by the conversation. As my Dad always says "Let God be God." For I authorities. In addition, any child student in the Temple that may not know the outcome of today or tomorrow or next week or displayed exceptional abilities would have been noticed by the the pending holiday season, but I can be certain of one thing: the priests and scholars, and would have been recruited to attend school outcome will be loving. Today will unfold as it should, in a there. Questions would have been asked. loving way, and I want to be prepared to see and experience that love. But Jesus was returned to Nazareth and was obedient to them. And I'm sure a whole lot of this obedience was due to admonitions to not I want to take time to think and to rest by the wayside today, I draw attention to himself or them until the time was right. don't want to be in too big of a hurry; I also don't want to be too burdened with anxiety or worry or separation. A leisurely, In conclusion, information and attention to Jesus's early life was in- engaged pace today will accomplish more than hurried striving or tentionally kept quiet. It protected Jesus and all desperate thinking. I want to remember who I am today, and his associated relatives. Whose I am today. I want to casually converse An oil lamp provides light and then can be snuffed with God today, walking hand in hand through to provide needed darkness. each minute of each hour of this day, together. Bridget Moen Gene Ramirez Friday of the Second Week of Advent December 11, 2015 Friday of the Third Week of Advent December 18, 2015 IS 48:17-19, PS 1:1-4, 6, MT 11:16-19 JER 23:5-8, PS 72:1-2, 12-13, 18-19, MT 1:18-25

I am so blessed. Joseph ben Jacob the quiet. I wish to make comment about Joseph. Most of what we learn Truly, God blesses me so abundantly. about him is from the Gospels of Matthew and Luke.

Some times when I am walking my dog, From Matthew we get the story of Joseph, finding Mary with I just marvel at the fact that I can walk. child, decided to divorce her quietly. If he didn't do something That I have such a great dog. That I live in such a beautiful quietly, Mary and child would likely have been stoned to death. home, in this great neighborhood, in Kansas City; such a good So two things are apparent here. One, that Joseph was pro-life city, in this wonderful country. Each Sunday after I receive and intended to save Mary and the child from death. And two, Communion, I try to remember to thank God for this gift of the only way he could save them was by taking them into his faith, for letting me be a part of Saint Elizabeth’s Church. I am household somewhere, and then quietly divorcing her. But due so thankful to be Catholic, and to feel the gift of faith. to his vision, he takes her fully into his household. In either So many blessings... case he would take any shame of her early pregnancy upon himself. Tongues would wag you know. Today in Isaiah we read: “If only you had paid attention to my From his visions, Joseph knew he had an important job to do. commands.” Goodness, how simple and profound. My sins Provide for and protect Mary and baby. And somehow the are all when I am not paying attention to God’s gentle importance of Jesus's birth and a threat to Herod's rule became guidance. It is so clear to see God just tries to protect me and known. Herod the Great was the third most powerful authority guide me in His ways, if only I pay attention to Him. in the Roman empire. (See the writings of Flavius Josephus.) His children were educated in Rome. And his kingdom was not The Psalm today speaks to me...I delight now in following separate, but was clearly part of the Roman empire. Herod was God; I am at my happiest when I find myself serving God. ruthless. He quickly eliminated any perceived threats to his Nothing feels that good to me. On the days I pray my way rule. He murdered a wife and several of his children to protect through the day, I am such a better person than when I just go his rule. He would have investigated any reports of a prophetic about on my own. ruler being born, and killed this child and his family. The Sadducees were in partnership and empowered by the Roman authorities. So, the threat to Jesus was from both the political Jews and the Romans. Continued, next page... Thursday of the Third Week of Advent December 17, 2015 GN 49:2, 8-10, PS 72:1-4AB, 7-8, 17, MT 1:1-17 Matthew shows us today the folly of listening more to others than to God. God is so very present; He is right here with me. Dear Elizabeth, thank you for encouraging Mary when she was I just need to work on listening for God. I see Him in the in need. You welcomed her into your home and confirmed to autumn leaves, I feel Him in the crisp cool air, I taste Him in her what she thought the Angel said. the bounty of the earth, I smell Him in the scents of the seasons. I long to listen better to Him. YES! you were expecting a baby. Not only that, the baby was leaping at the site of her.

Your namesakes, Elizabeth of Hungary and Elizabeth Seton, I remember growing up I was astonished at how long my were also wives and mothers. parents could sit and talk...With each other, with party guests, Doing God's work, they fed the hungry and educated children. with their friends...into the wee hours of the night. Now I see my parents were great listeners. People really liked being with Fathers of the Church, thank you for recognizing, honoring, and my mom and dad, because they could listen so well. canonizing these wonderful women. I know I am blessed to be a member of a Church named to honor these non-celibate yet holy women whose lives I am beginning to see listening is a gift, a gift I need to grow. encourage me. I need to pay attention, I need to listen for God, I need to be quiet and hear God’s voice as He watches over me. All you holy men and women please pray for us!

*In the New American Bible the footnote in Saint Luke says: Every night my mom would whisper in my ear “sign given to Mary in confirmation of the Angel's “May the angels watch over you.” announcement to her is the pregnancy of her aged relative Today on her birthday, I am Elizabeth. If a woman past childbearing age could become blessed to know my beautiful pregnant, why, the angel implies, should there be a doubt Mom is in Heaven, about Mary's pregnancy for watching over me herself. nothing will be impossible for God."

I am so blessed. Claudia Ramirez Mary Cary Saturday of the Second Week of Advent December 12, 2015 Think of all the anticipation that expecting parents face. They ZEC 2:14-17, JUD 13:18-19, LK 1:26-38 watch the baby grow, they plan for the arrival, and they Our Lady of Guadalupe celebrate with loved ones. They also pray, hope, think, and

wait. There are a lot of silent moments with the expecting

mom and the baby inside. Those moments make me think of

Advent. There is waiting and preparation for something big

that will change you forever.

Death also makes me think of Advent because we are all preparing for death. The healthy individual may not be as aware of their preparation, but it is still happening. We make As Christians and Catholics we are asked to give our lives to amends with relationships that may have been fractured, and Christ each and every day. But do we remember the story of the we confirm those closest to us know that we love them. We first Christian, the first person to say Your will be done? make it a point to create lasting memories for our loved ones. We also seek to know Jesus, and to feel His presence in Mary continues to say yes to God, to do God’s will. our heart. It’s a burning desire inside of us, because we know there is an end to this physical life, and we want to live Knowing the people of Mexico were being oppressed by the eternally with Jesus. We prepare for this, and we wait. Spanish, the first 20 years of the Conquest were marked by violence and death, not Christian charity. Mary appeared to Juan Up to this point the Scriptures look forward to Christ’s second Diego, asking him to take a message to the bishop, requesting a coming. There is great anticipation. The Scriptures will soon “little house” or temple to be constructed on the hill of Tepeyac. look backwards on Christ’s first coming. There is “Here I will give all my love, my help, and my protection to the remembrance. These are the gifts of Advent. people…I am your compassionate mother, and I am the mother of all the people who live as one in this land, and all people of different ancestries who cry to me, who seek me, who trust in Kris Beckman me.”

Juan Diego went to the bishop with Mary’s request and left feeling as though the bishop did not believe him. Mary appeared to Juan Diego a second time, and he begged Mary to entrust her message to a more important person. Juan said, “I am a nobody, I Wednesday of the Third Week of Advent December 16, 2015 am a small rope, a tiny ladder, the tail end, a leaf…and you send IS 45:6C-8, 18, 21C-25, PS 85:9AB-14, LK 7:18B-23 me to a place I would never visit.” Mary insisted that he was the one chosen to convey her message. When I was first approached about writing for the Advent booklet, I was uncertain that I would be a good candidate. I When asked to do something that takes us out of our comfort am new to Catholicism, and my prior experience with Advent zone, something we have never done, we often want to ask God, involved one of those little candy calendars. I’m pretty sure I “Why me? I’m not the right person for this.” We would much counted down the days until Santa came instead of the birth of rather say, no thanks, I am sure there is someone else who would Jesus. be better, just like Juan Diego. Mary didn’t give up on him. Juan went to the bishop a second time and the bishop requested proof of Mary’s words. When Mary came to him a third time and Juan Advent is something that I continue to learn about each year, told her the bishop asked for proof, she instructed Juan to climb and I appreciate the moments to experience it. When I think of to the top of the hill and gather the flowers. Juan filled his cloak Advent, I think of the Eucharist. I waited a good portion of my with the roses. Juan went back to the bishop, and when he life to experience this Sacrament. There was a lot of unfolded his cloak, the roses fell at the feet of the bishop, and a preparation and anticipation. I still go through that process of stunning image of the lady from Heaven appeared on the inside of waiting and preparing every time I accept the Eucharist, and I his cloak. The bishop answered Mary’s request, and ordered the know my second grade daughter is experiencing those same chapel built. feelings as she prepares for her First Holy Communion this spring. God does not give up on us. He asks us every day to give our lives to Him and say yes to His will. I also think about birth and death when I think about Advent. They seem so completely opposite, but they are both Can we follow in the footsteps of the Blessed Virgin Mary and about anticipation and preparation. Juan Diego? Can we give God our lives and say “yes” to His will?

Birth and death are 100% certain to happen. When they Diane Price happen, they are huge miraculous moments that forever change the fabric of our families. Lives are changed. Hearts are touched.

My son also came home in August or early September mentioning in Sunday of the Third Week of Advent December 13, 2015 short, incomplete, and scattered thoughts that he had learned what to ZEP 3:14-18A, IS 12:2-6, PHIL 4:4-7, LK 3:10-18 do if bad things happen at school. I don’t think there is any way to create a bubble big enough or strong enough to protect my sons. As ...On that day, it shall be said to Jerusalem: Do not fear, Zion, my wife concluded nearly three years ago as we stayed up late talking do not be discouraged! The Lord, your God, is in your midst, about Sandy Hook, “nobody can escape tragedy.” As bad as it is, and it is really bad, it is reassuring to know that we are not the first to live a mighty savior, who will rejoice over you with gladness, and in this city that “hears no voice (and) accepts no correction.” These renew you in his love…. present day and Old Testament scenarios are the same one in our Gospel reading where Jesus describes chief priests and elders that can’t change their minds and believe, whereas the most lowly, the Being a mother has always been something that I have wanted prostitutes and tax collectors, can. I sometimes identify with those out of life. What an amazing experience to be able to bring arrogant, know-it-all chief priests and elders. Oftentimes it is easy to forth life through me, and to raise, teach, and nurture a child. think that I am the expert as a teacher or as a parent, and it tends to get I can remember many times of prayer to God that I would me into trouble. become pregnant, but to no avail. I struggled with my emotions and even somewhat with my own self worth. Why Jesus doesn’t offer a solution to our societal problems in this could I not bare my own child and not experience the miracle Scripture, but does ask us to use our senses to see the wrong and the of life through me? right, and to not let our status or arrogance get in the way of perception, or changing towards the better path. Zephaniah tells us to be humble, to call on God, and to find refuge in Him. Surely if we all After some time and more prayers, my husband and I turned took that humble perspective as people who didn't have all the our eyes toward adoption. Although I felt I was mourning a answers, we could have more honest conversations, and maybe grow loss, it felt good that we could possibly make a child’s life a closer to answering some of these problems that are very big and daunting. Finally, by calling on Him we are enlisting support that goes bit more hopeful in providing a family for them. We jumped beyond what small things we are able to accomplish. through all of the hoops and prayed a lot in hopes that there would be a child for us. It didn’t take long for a birth mother As far as how the training went today, I quieted my inner rebellion, to pick us. When a couple marks on the paperwork every listened, waited to ask good questions and learned to protect my single ethnic group or combination of ethnic groups as classroom in the case of one of these horrific acceptable to them to adopt, their chances of being matched circumstances. I can’t say that I drastically improved with a birth mother increase dramatically. We didn’t care. society for the better, but I think I can say that the very We just wanted a family. small piece of it in my classroom is a little bit safer.

David Darmitzel Tuesday of the Third Week of Advent December 15, 2015 We met a birth mother who had chosen my husband and me, ZEP 3:1-2, 9-13, PS 34:2-3, 6-7, 17-19, 23, MT 21:28-32 and we excitedly went home to prepare for our baby boy who was to come into this world in eight more weeks. About one Sometimes you open to a Bible verse that resonates at the same week later, we received a call that the birth mother had frequency as something very deep inside you. My struggle to make “un-picked” us. It was devastating. The child that we had so sense of my world is clarified by Zephaniah’s vision of the rebellious, hoped and prayed for would not be ours. polluted, and tyrannical city.

Today I participated in professional development in my school to All I could think was maybe I didn’t have what it took to be a prepare me for a Columbine, Virginia Tech, or Sandy Hook type mother. It was a feeling of loss, inadequacy and rejection, and I emergency. For weeks I dreaded the training. For weeks, I made was afraid to try again. With help from my husband, we myself sick thinking about the kids, the families, the support decided that we would try one more time, but if nothing networks (or lack thereof), and the society that seem to perpetuate happened by the end of the year, I would have to accept the fact these tragedies. For weeks, I drove myself crazy trying to grasp the that my strong desire to be a mom was not meant to be. insanity of being trained on THIS rather than anything related to teaching or my subject area, and as if active shooters were as normal as a fire, tornado, earthquake, or any other true natural I will never forget 12 years ago on this exact day, the phone disaster. I contemplated asking my principal to be excused from the call we received. There was a baby boy who had just been born training, but concluded that I can’t wake myself up from this and needed a mom and dad, and if we wanted him we needed to nightmarish reality any more than I would be able to opt out of a get ready in 30 minutes, jump in the car, and drive down to tornado, earthquake, or active shooter circumstances. Oklahoma City to meet him. Although it had snowed six inches and was still snowing when we pulled out of the driveway, we As an educator, I do my best to teach and protect my students. My job didn’t care what the weather was doing. We were like two kids as a parent to my two sons is the same, but with more powers. As on Christmas morning, filled with such joy and unbelievable much as I would like to, the teacher can’t take away a smartphone or excitement. As the nurse placed my son, Samuel, into my arms, delete inappropriate song titles the way that the parent can choose it was as if all time had disappeared. I felt such a sense of awe. what devices their kids can use and what media they can absorb. At that moment, I knew that God was with us and had sent this However, the older this young parent gets, the more I realize I can’t completely control/protect/prescribe. As my oldest went to pre- beautiful little creation to us. This was our son, God’s gift that kindergarten this year, I was amazed to see him transform. Yes, he was meant for us. On that day, we rejoiced with God in this learned new letters, his handwriting improved, and he recognized new most precious gift. shapes, but he also brought home his recess games of Hulk, Ironman Anne Ira and Batman and any other scenario that consisted in good guys destroying (often violently) the bad guys.

Monday of the Third Week of Advent December 14, 2015 But much later in life, in a different town, and in another NM 24:2-7, 15-17A, PS 25:4-9, MT 21:23-27 state, I sat with him at that same table. Through some circuitous routes, I’d ended up studying some basic Greek, Teacher, teach me your way, pleads the psalmist, and I saw something like that same look of astonishment with total trust in God’s goodness. when I began reciting the forms for a verb, and he joined in. It was a wonderful moment in that, having followed such The powerful, feeling threatened by the lesson, different paths, and admittedly without the intention of perhaps out of fear, harass Jesus, bringing that home, the love of learning and of words brought us to that same place and time of delight. No doubt, we had dessert. Who answers their question, meant as a trap rather

than a way to learn, with another. Saint John of the Cross, it is said, loved the words of

Scripture so much that he knew them by heart. We can My father, a chemical engineer, loved words; he’d had some imagine that those words must have been consolation during Greek, which was taught at the time at Jesuit times of testing, especially in the mystery of betrayal and schools. “Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious” from Mary unjust confinement. He displays a luminous way in our Poppins was a favorite at home, and he could pronounce other “dark nights” as we wait for the Word to set us free. Spirit of very long ones. At the dinner table when we were younger, he love, teach us to trust in your coming and to delight in would ask us if we could tell him the meaning of words, with learning like a child. candy for prizes. Having inherited or learned how to have a sweet tooth, I remember once wanting to win (the candy) in a big way and, after a few tries from siblings, making something Katie Madigan up. I don’t remember the word, but I do recall the look of amazement which he put on his face, perhaps to reward the effort. To this day, I wonder if the answer was really the right one.