Mary, Holy Mother Of God, By Saying “Yes” To God’s Will, Intercedes On Our Behalf With Her Son!

Prior to my acceptance into Diaconate formation in 2000, I along with other candidates was asked to submit a paper on our spiritual journey.  My submission included three women who influenced me to believe in God and become a follower: My mom, dad’s mom and my wife.  Each one of them in their own way reminded me of the Blessed Virgin Mary, the Holy Mother of God.

Jesus Is The Reason For The Season When We Openly Practice Our Faith So All Can Receive God’s Salvation

For those who have visited the birthplace of Jesus in the town of Bethlehem near the city of Jerusalem, the word “Humble” may not be an apt description of this cramped cave where Mary, Jesus and Joseph spent the first day of the Son of God’s human birthday.  In fact, it reminds me of the many homeless encamped under the freeways with very little protection in what I term as “Squalor.”  And yet this is where our salvation begins in earthly terms with a forced move for a worldly census of the Roman Empire.

Acceptance Of God’s Plan Of Life For Us Makes The Difference For Our Salvation! Let Us Deny Our Sinfulness That Leads Us Astray!

Things don’t always seem to be what we believe they are or should be based on our viewpoint.  This Sunday’s readings and Gospel are indicative of that, especially in light of God’s plan for our lives.  It often seems contradictory, because our beliefs propagated by what the world has put into place don’t always agree with God’s.  The question for us is: “With whom do we place our trust, man or God, no matter how difficult the situation, if we seek eternal life”?

Experience The Joy Of Salvation By Healing, Wholeness And Holiness As We Offer Christian Joy Which We Ourselves Have Received

We are called to prepare the way for Jesus to come into ours and other people’s hearts so we can experience the joy of salvation, healing, wholeness and holiness for which we long and gives real meaning to our lives.  But, how do we do that when we are imprisoned into a world of sin as was St. John the Baptist?

As We Prepare For The Coming Of Christ, Let Us Practice Peace And Offer Justice To Situations That Harm Us In So Many Ways!

Connected through the ages of time, we still prepare during Advent for the coming of Christ in our lives beginning with his birth, suffering, death, resurrection, ascension and return. Both readings and St. Matthew’s Gospel illustrate how God’s plan was meant for us whether we were known as an Israelite or Gentile prior to or after implementation of Christianity.  Our preparation is for acceptance of who Jesus is as told to us through the scriptures and to find ways we can be repentant, have a personal change of heart and a transformation or conversion as we help to bring peace and justice as Jesus did.