Pastors Notes from 12/11/2022
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December 12, 2022Guadete Sunday, Latin for “rejoice.” Advent is a time of preparation and reflection, patience and anticipation. As we light the third candle—rose colored—we are reminded that God who loves us all is still in charge, and we await his coming not in fear, but in joy. Appropriately in this juncture of our Advent journey, we avail ourselves to God’s forgiveness, reconciling and healing our relationship with God as Christmas approaches. We seek forgiveness not out of fear but with hope, and the joy of acknowledging God’s desire to forgive our sins, bringing peace into our heart and very soul.
Thus, the understanding of ‘Church’ is reflected in Paul David Tripp’s words from his book Instruments in the Redeemer’s Hands. “The church is not a theological classroom. It is a conversion, confession, repentance, reconciliation, forgiveness and sanctification center, where flawed people place their faith in Christ, gather to know and love him better, and learn to love others as he designed.”
Our Advent Communal Penance Service offered this Sunday at Sacred Heart, 1pm, and Saint Malachy, 3pm, are opportunities of conversion, forgiveness and reconciliation—receiving this Sacrament joyfully, not out of fear. Likewise, the Sacrament is offered before the weekend Masses at St. Malachy, and after the weekend Masses at Sacred Heart, and at a personal time by calling the office. On this Gaudete Sunday, may we pause to reflect on our relationship with God, and out of faith, seek the reconciliation that will bring a spirit of peace and hope and graciousness we desire at Christmas. Our Bishops of the United States offer this brief examination of conscience as a guide:
I am the Lord your God: you shall not have strange Gods before me.
Have I treated people, events (sports), or things as more important than God?
You shall not take the name of the Lord your God in vain. Have my words, actively or passively, put down my faith, the Church, or gave disrespect to God? Remember to keep holy the Lord’s Day. Do I go to Mass every Sunday and on Holy Days of Obligation? Do I avoid, when possible, work or recreation that impedes worship to God, a serious pause for the Lord’s Day, and proper relaxation of mind and body? Do I look for ways to spend time with family on Sunday?
Honor your father and your mother.
Do I show my parents due respect? Do I seek to maintain good communication with my parents where possible? Do I criticize them for lacking skills I think they should have?
You shall not kill.
Have I harmed another through physical, verbal, or emotional means, including gossip or manipulation of any kind?
You shall not commit adultery.
Have I respected the physical and sexual dignity of others and of myself?
You shall not steal.
Have I taken or wasted time or resources that belonged to another?
You shall not bear false witness against your neighbor.
Have I gossiped, told lies, or embellished stories at the expense of another?
You shall not covet your neighbor’s spouse.
Have I honored my spouse with my full affection and exclusive love?
You shall not covet your neighbor’s goods.
Am I content with my own means and needs, or do I compare myself to others unnecessarily? Jealous of what others have, desiring more than I need?
Conclude with the Jesuit personal reflection: “How have I walked with Christ Jesus today; how have I not walked with Christ Jesus this day?”
Lord Jesus, Son of God, have mercy on me, a sinner. Amen.
As you begin to plan your gatherings and activities at Christmas please consider our Mass schedule for Christmas Eve and Christmas Day: 4:00pm/St. Malachy; 5:30pm/Sacred Heart; 7:00pm/St. John; 10:00pm/Sacred Heart. On Christmas morning, 8:30am/St. Malachy; 10:00am/Sacred Heart.
God Bless, Fr. Tim
FYI: "It is not easy to entrust oneself to God's mercy, because it is an abyss beyond our comprehension. But we must! ... "Oh, I am a great sinner!" "All the better! Go to Jesus: He likes you to tell him these things!" He forgets, He has a very special capacity for forgetting. He forgets, He kisses you, He embraces you and He simply says to you: "Neither do I condemn you; go, and sin no more" (Jn 8:11)." (Pope Francis)