From the Pastor – Second Sunday of Advent
From the Pastor – Second Sunday of Advent
Our readings from Holy Scripture on this Second Sunday of Advent remind us of what we are supposed to be doing during Advent, in fact throughout our lives. The reading from Isaiah anticipates the coming of Christ and John the Baptist as it proclaims “… prepare the way of the Lord.” This is a time of preparation for us.
That message is repeated in our Gospel from St. Mark. Today’s Gospel is the absolute beginning of Mark’s Gospel and it immediately gives us that same signal by declaring, “Prepare the way of the Lord, make straight his paths.” Of course, we all realize that the path to the Lord may not always be straight for us, but now is a time to correct that.
God is waiting for us. St. Peter in his Second Letter, from which our Second Reading is drawn, indicates that God, however, “is patient with you.” You might say on this Second Sunday of Advent that the Lord is giving us a second chance to respond to His call. One of the basics of St. John the Baptist’s messages was that we need to get ourselves right with the Lord, perhaps turn our lives in a different direction. We can change; now is the time to do that.
Pope St. John XXIII once stated during a homily in Advent, “We are all part of an immense family. This is proven by what is in our hearts during Advent and Christmas.” Now is the time to put love in our hearts and to truly prepare the way of the Lord.
Pastoral Pondering
I want to thank all who responded positively to last week’s message about Sharing Our Gifts. Preaching all of the Masses is somewhat of a monumental task, but it is helpful from time-to-time to offer the same message to everyone. It is part and parcel of our desire to continue moving forward as a parish of intentional disciples.
As many of you know one of our parishioners, Eric Theriot, died earlier this year following a tragic automobile accident. His mom and dad wanted to do something in his memory and asked if they could place some additional kneelers around the sanctuary. Those arrived last weekend as well. They offer a nice option for those who wish to receive the Eucharist in this ancient and reverent posture.
Over the last few months a whole host of volunteers have been assisting Deacon Robert with his exercises and therapy as he copes with the aftermath of the hit and run earlier this year. The majority of those volunteers are now transitioning to become Friendly Visitors for the Deacon. Charlie Magro is coordinating the effort. If you would be interested in visiting Deacon Murphy as a part of this effort, please contact Charlie at 704-794-8532 or Magro4001@gmail.com. I do want to thank everyone who has responded so generously to this particular need.