We begin our Advent Journey 2025 by preparing our hearts, minds and souls to receive Jesus in Sacrament and in spirit through our prayers. Join us at St. Lawrence the Martyr for this great adventure.

Advent Journey #12 The birth of the Child Jesus

How my heart explodes in wonder. We each have moments, especially parents at the birth of a child, were our hearts explode in wonder, joy and blessing. Everything changes and even though we may think we are prepared this new reality shows us how much we are never prepared fully and completley and how mch we rely on trust in God to move forward. Let us pray.

Advent Journey #11 As we continue our Advent Journey, we look around to discover God. This reminds me of two very popular songs. The first is “Stand By Me” by Ben E. King. The second is “You Got a Friend” sung by James Taylor. Both songs speak of relying on another to support and be with. This is our reflection in the eyes of God who sent us our Emmanuel “God with us” who desires to walk with us, support us and going one step further…He saves us from sin and death. Walking with and growing in faith with friends, family and everyone. One more song reference…it is the Liverpool football club…”You Never Walk Alone” sung by Jerry and the Pacemakers.
As we meditate today on the Sacred Scripture….and sing along withe one of these great songs.

Advent Journey #10 When I speak the name of Jesus I also speak my name. I speak the name of my spouse, my parents, siblings and each person I meet. Jesus’ name reminds us we are called to be a blessing. Do I use the name of others to show forth that same blessing? Seeing the blessing and gift of the person whose name I speak and in a like manner we become the blessing we speak.
Name Jesus as our Savior and Redeemer and we name ourselves as his sisters and brothers.

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Advent Journey #9 On this Second Sunday in Advent we are reminded that God’s Holy Spirit fills us and calls us to, like John the Baptist, call out the Kingdom present and the repentance of our sins. The little blue book reminds us that we need to ponder and work toward the purity of life, to be sinless, in our road of discipleship.
“And this is my prayer: that your love may abound more and more in knowledge and depth of insight,” (Phil 1:9)

Advent Journey #8 As we are reminded in the little blue book, we are part of God’s plan, from the moment of conception in our mother’s womb until the day of our death. We are a blessing from God. The road we travel in saying yes, and listening to the Word of god leads us on a journey of hope and love. Our invitation is to be like St. Joseph and particpate in the plan of salvation by following God’s will and his plan for us each day.

St. Joseph is a remarkable man who is called to do remarkable things by God. His silent testimony to love of wife and family inspires us to choose life and the unity of marriage in our own lives. As protector of the family, he shows us in prayer, fasting and giving of our lives to God we are able to witness with our presence the love which creates and unifies families and communities.
St. Joseph…pray for us.

How do allow the Holy Spirit to fill our lives? Much like the Jesus Prayer, often a simple phrase like “Jesus, Have mercy on me a poor sinner” calling upon the Holy Spirit can be as easy as: “Come Holy Spirit” when we sit silently in meditative prayer.
As you reflect on todays’s reading in the Little Blue Book, when you begin to feel distracted, call on the Holy Spirit to quiet your heart and mind.

We listen to the stories of who we are from our family and community. Sometimes when we take a DNA test we discover something different.
The same can be said of our faith, sometimes we discover new and blessed traditions and understandings about who God call us to be as his sons and daughters.
I would encourage you to continue to pray as family in sharing your faith story.
God Bless

The first Tuesday in Advent (12/3/24) we are invited once more to reflect on the genealogy of Jesus and how Our Blessed Mother’s participation in this journey is a special gift. Happy Memorial of St. Francis Xavier SJ.

The First Week, the first Monday of Advent. Recalling the history of our faith, and who help us to grow in faith is important. In these reflections we can begin to see the face and presence of Jesus in those who have challenged us in our faith. They may be living with us right now or ancestors who have given us the gift and blessing of faith. Take time to open our hearts to the call to be more like Jesus in living out our faith today and every day.

On this first day of Advent, we are challenged to prepare and to await the coming of Jesus. It is just the beginning, but it should lead us to the place we are called to be: in the presence of God.