Evangelization is meant to cooperate with this liberating work of the Spirit.

The very mystery of the Trinity reminds us that we have been created in the image of the divine communion, and so we cannot achieve fulfillment or salvation purely on our own efforts. From the heart of the Gospel, we see the profound connection between evangelization and human advancement, which must necessarily and expression and develop in every work of evangelization.

Accepting the first proclamation, which invites us to receive God’s love and to love him in return with the very love which is his gift, brings forth in our lives and actions a primary and fundamental response: to desire, seek and protect the good of others.

Saint Paul seems to be throwing out a handful of sayings that may sound overly optimistic, but are actually very practical. “Rejoice always? Who can do that?” It sounds absurd, but the next two lines give it context: If we pray constantly and thank God for all that happens to us, we have reason to rejoice. Whatever happens is the will of God for us. Even the bad things, things we don’t like, can be allowed by God, so that God can bring good out of them. God allows sin because it leads to forgiveness, an experience of God’s love for us. And God allows even death, because God can bring us to eternal life.

The next two sayings may be a little obscure. When Paul tells us not to quench the Spirit, he means we should be open to what the Holy Spirit moves us to do. “Prophetic utterances” refer to things that other people were inspired to proclaim. If we pray constantly (1 Thessalonians 5:17) we won’t be so distracted by the things of this world that we cannot hear the promptings of the Holy Spirit in us. We won’t be so critical of others that we miss what the Spirit is telling us through them.

How do we know if something really is from the Spirit?

The next phrase helps with that: Test everything. Retain what is good (1 Thessalonians 5:21). Use the scriptures, the teachings of the Church, and your conscience to decide whether the Spirit is moving you, or if advice you hear is worthwhile. And most of all trust God to help with all this because God wants us to be holy. God will make us holy if we only allow it. Then we will be ready
for the coming of the Lord, whether through the sacraments, the celebration of Christmas, or God’s nal coming in glory. I’d say that’s a reason to rejoice.

-Tom Schmidt

© J. S. Paluch Co.

In the lobby of the Parish House you will nd a selection of Christmas ornaments and nativities from various countries. Most are hand painted and unique.

There is also an ornament designed just for us here at St. Francis with the front of the church painted on the front.

Stop by now and do some shopping!

Carols with the Choir is this Sunday afternoon at 3 PM. This will lift your spirits and give you time to focus on the meaning for this season. Take a break and join us for an enjoyable afternoon.

The response for “basics” in Puerto Rico has been very touch- ing. When we realize that we can do something for our neighbors who have su ered so much, we don’t hesitate to do our share. Together, we will be able to let others know that they are not alone. Thank you!

-Fr. Andrew Reitz, OFM

“Prepare the way of the Lord…”

We hear about John the Baptist in the Gospel today – sent to prepare the way. John’s message attracted a large number of people, yet all the time, John did not claim to be anyone other than “a herald to prepare the way.”

He knew who he was and why he was sent by God. John stands out as a man of integrity because even though he had a large following, this didn’t change his purpose, or his role, or his mission. There is much to be learned from this man who “was dressed in camel’s hair… and fed on locusts and wild honey.”

Next Sunday, December 17 at 3:00 PM,  is our annual “Carols with the Choir” concert. This program of choral music, solos, and sing along selections has become a highlight of the Advent Season at St. Francis. Come, relax, and let the music prepare you for the celebration of Christmas.

Just recently I had to cancel the March 2018 Assisi/Rome pilgrimage because there were not enough participants registered for it. This was going to be a smaller pilgrimage, but we did not even reach the minimum number of people necessary to schedule it. Perhaps another time. Many ask: when and where is our next pilgrimage? One option is a pilgrimage to several capital cities
in Eastern Europe: Warsaw, Budapest, Vienna, and Prague. I will be talking with our travel company and will announce our next pilgrimage soon.

-Fr. Andrew Reitz, O.F.M.

Although it sounds obvious, spiritual accompaniment must lead others even closer to God, in whom we attain true freedom. Some people feel they are free if they can avoid God; they fail to see that they remain existentially orphaned, helpless, homeless. They cease being pilgrims and become drifters,  flitting around themselves and never getting anywhere…

Today more than ever we need men and women who, on the basis of their experience of accompanying others, are familiar with processes which call for prudence, understanding, patience and docility to the Spirit, so that they can protect the sheep from wolves who would scatter the  flock.

We need to practice the art of listening, which is more than simply hearing. Listening, in communication, is an openness of heart which makes possible that closeness without which genuine spiritual encounter cannot occur. Listening helps us to find the right gesture and word which shows that we are more than simply bystanders.