This is the Second Sunday of Advent and we hear John the Baptist proclaim the message: “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.” John’s message was meant to “prepare the way of the Lord.” John had to deal with many obstacles that stood in the way of people accepting that the “kingdom of heaven was at hand.” Yet many went to be baptized by him. The “closeness” of the kingdom is a message for us and it is meant to help us remove any obstacles that prevent us from allowing it to enter into our lives. Advent is a time to realize the closeness of God to us. What prevents us from realizing this?
The Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception is not celebrated on Sunday, December 8, this year, but has been transferred to Monday, December 9. However, it is not a holy day of obligation. It is a special day, and attending Mass is the best way to observe it.
Have you seen the Christmas ornaments and nativity sets in the lobby of the Parish House? Many are from Peru, India and Kenya and are products of Fair Trade Communities. The craftsmanship is amazing on the ornaments and small nativities. Pleas stop by.