St. Vincent de Paul Church

Second Week of Advent
Tuesday, December 10, 2013
Scripture: Is. 40: 1-11; Mt. 18: 12-14 See Readings (http://www NULL.usccb NULL.org/bible/readings/121013 NULL.cfm)

Two of today’s readings use the term “shepherd” to describe the character of God’s relationship with His children. Matthew 18 first describes the apostles’ questioning Jesus as to who is greatest in the kingdom of heaven, but He answers that it is essential to be humble, like the little child for those who wish to enter heaven. Then the lesson follows regarding forgiveness, and the care God has for our spiritual welfare. Each of us is important to God, and He will not accept losing even one of us. God does not give up on us, even when we may have already done so, having gone astray so many times.

We seem to find it difficult to understand that we are already one with God and always have been. Most of us don’t conduct our lives as if we believe this. We operate as beings separate from God. We seek autonomy and what we imagine to be independence and self-sufficiency. This is essentially what going astray means, as we imagine that we really don’t need God, at least not at this particular time—maybe later.

As impossible as it is for us to believe, God still loves us, in spite of our faults, and will not let us go. What is it that we have we done to merit such fidelity and devotion? Nothing. We did not earn this kind of love. Our spiritual lives are not governed by human rules in spite of our assumptions and misconceptions about merit. God chooses to save us.  This is a gift. But we must cooperate with, and not repeatedly walk away from, this invitation. We must continue to try to learn God’s will and adopt that perspective toward our lives and experiences, no matter how many times we falter. It is our Lord’s will that we return.

Prayer: Dear God, give me the awareness of my existence in you, so that everything I experience allows me to sense your hand in it. Amen.

By John Rogers

St. Vincent parishioners have written reflections for every day in Advent. They are available in booklet form in the Gathering Space, and they will be posted daily on our website. See the entire St. Vincent Advent Reflection Booklet 2013.

Second Week of Advent
Monday, December 9, 2013
Feast of the Immaculate Conception

 Scripture: Gn. 3: 9-15, 20; Eph. 1: 3-6, 11-12; Lk. 1: 26-38 See Readings (http://www NULL.usccb NULL.org/bible/readings/120913 NULL.cfm)

In the first reading, Eve exclaims, “The serpent tricked me, so I ate it.” Why is it easier to blame someone else for our failings? When do I rationalize that I am too busy to make that phone call or visit that friend? When do I say I support “that cause” but fail to take action? This Advent is a time for thinking about my lack of faithfulness and what I choose to do about it.

The Psalm and second reading tell us of the Lord’s justice, kindness and faithfulness to Israel and that in love God destined us for adoption through Jesus Christ. He chose us. God’s faithfulness is repetitive and unending. It is difficult to conceive an all-powerful God who is unwavering in loving us, despite our frailty and sometimes ugliness. When do I turn my back on someone who slighted me or criticized me? When do I turn my back on God and forget She is with me, wanting me to love that “unlovable” person I encountered yesterday.  This Advent is a time for thinking about my lack of faithfulness and what I choose to do about it.

The Gospel tells of Mary’s response to the angel Gabriel, “I am the handmaid of the Lord. May it be done to me according to your word.” It would be easy to say that we too would be steadfast in our faithfulness if we had been born without sin, like Mary. But thing of what a leap of faith that was for a frightened teenager. What has God asked me to do? Do I leave the heavy lifting to others? This Advent is a time for thinking about my lack of faithfulness and what I choose to do about it.

Prayer: O faithful God, help me feel Your compassion when I want to act in anger. Help me speak with Your loving kindness when I respond to complaints. Help me listen for Your voice when I hear someone’s angry words. Help me see Your face when I look in the eyes of an unpleasant stranger. Help me hold the hand of one in need, with Your gentle touch. Help me to be faithful in receiving You with every breath I take. Amen.

By Peggy Meyer

St. Vincent parishioners have written reflections for every day in Advent. They are available in booklet form in the Gathering Space, and they will be posted daily on our website. See the entire St. Vincent Advent Reflection Booklet 2013.

Have you heard of Pope Francis’ survey?  The Holy Father wishes to survey the faithful to see how church teaching happens (or does not) in the practice of the faithful.  In other words, he wants the sensus fidelium on church teaching.  Archbishop Lori has graciously made the survey available on the web.  Please reserve some time to complete the survey. If the questions seem unclear, feel free to contact us for clarifications. Responses are due on Dec 15th, so do not delay. This is a chance to have your voice heard! Click on the link to find the survey: Archdiocesan Survey (http://survey NULL.qualtrics NULL.com/SE/?SID=SV_0pPsvi0vYPwodY9)

The fall issue of Together Sharing Christ is now available.

The main avenue for distribution of this publication is on the website, though this link. However, TSC is mailed to all who cannot access it online or pick up copy in the back of church. The advantage of the online PDF version is you get the full benefit of seeing the artwork in color (and, of course, it saves paper). If you would like to change how you receive it, please send a note to Chris McCullough at chrism@stvchurch.org (chrism null@null stvchurch NULL.org).